July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section A Page 1 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WEST PALM BCH FL Permit NO 4595 Renew your subscription before the expiration date shown in the label below. The Abaconian Stuart Web Inc. 5675 SE Grouper Ave Stuart, FL 34997 Change Service Requested VOLUME 21 NUMBER 14 July 15th, 2013 Stranded Naked attendance jumps by 25 percent By Canishka Alexander The events continued success was great news for those who regularly attend the Cheeseburger in Paradise Party that was held on July 3, incorporating the American and Bahamian Independence Days into the nine-day event for the 38th Regatta Time in Abaco. This great day signals the start of the Regatta where sail boats traverse triangular or around-the-island courses in the hopes of capturing a win and a bronze sculpture made by Johnston Studios in Lit tle Harbour. Dr. Ron Hucke from St. Augustine, Fla. was enjoying the beach activities that day, and was also looking forward to par ticipating in the races aboard his vessel: Erinsong. After 23 years of travelling to The Bahamas, he keeps coming back. And hes not alone. Theres not a single boat slip avail able, the marinas are full, theres not a single hotel room available, and in fact, 38th Regatta Time in Abaco pits sailors against nature in weeklong event Please see RTIA Page 10 Brave Davis comments on projects during recent visit Above: the Stranded Naked Party, held on Fiddle Cay, is the annual kick-off party for Regatta Time in Abaco. Burgers and drinks are supplied to the large crowds who arrive by boat to the beautiful deserted island. See Page 2. -Photo by Rachel Ahrnsen. Above: the Honourable Philip Brave Davis Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works, was in Abaco on July 5. During his visit he met with the China Harbour Company concerning the North Abaco Port. He also spoke about more roadwork coming for Cen tral Abaco as well as the impending airport opening. For these stories see pages 5 and 6. Above: The Abaco Rage, complete with swashbuckling pirate (near mast) competes in the 38th Regatta.

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Page 2 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 unitedabacoshippingco@coralwave.com Cheeseburger Party kicks off Regatta Time in Abaco By Canishka Alexander What better way to spend a day in paradise than attending Bobb and Patri cia Hendersons Annual Stranded Naked Cheeseburger in Paradise Party on Fiddle Cay. Considered the largest beach party in The Bahamas, the couple manage a crew of volunteers, who help to prepare and serve 1,200 -1,300 Bubba Burgers, 600 hot dogs as well as sausage and turkey burger prod ucts. Another line offers gallons upon gal lons of margaritas or rum punches, water and Kool-Aid for the children. There are also activities to work off the large intake of food and drink in the hula hoop and lim bo competitions for all ages. The event is ideal for the entire family and their pets. Compared to previous years, Hender son noted that the attendance this year had increased by 25 percent. He was not too surprised because the economy is rebound ing and many people vacation in July. Its been a great day, and Ive met a lot of new people and everyone is hav Abaco economy is picking up, there are a lot more boats than Ive seen in the last two to three months, and people are coming here to spend money, to enjoy the beach, enjoy the sunshine and purchase fuel for their boats. Balancing his signature 15-pound Jimmy Buffet hat, Henderson said that he added a few more items to it from the mu sicians most recent tours. So thats how the whole thing start ed; its all about his music, Henderson said in reference to Buffet. He ended by thanking all the persons involved with organizing the event includ ing his usual volunteers who could not attend. Sponsors included Bubba Burger, the Green Turtle Club and Lizards Bar & Grill at the Leeward Yacht Club along with U.S.-based businesses. But the volunteers have been great, the sponsors have been great, and like I year, he promised. Above: the Stranded Naked party always brings out the characters. Above: event organizer, Bobb Henderson, sporting his attention-grabbing Jimmy Buf fet hat. Below: hundreds and hundreds of hungry and thirsty boaters line up for their burg ers and boat drinks. -Photo by Rachel Ahrnsen.

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section A Page 3 Damianos

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Page 4 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 coldwell

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section A Page 5 By Timothy Roberts A fee increase on cruising permits initially slated to start as of July 1, 2013 has been delayed pending consultation with marina operators amidst anxiety that the change would harm boating levels espe cially in the family islands. Marina operators in Abaco expressed concern that their businesses which are re liant on boaters would see yet another re business is just starting to get better. One marina operator said Why do this with only three days notice when peo ple are already on their way over? Were making people mad who are bringing mon ey into the country. On June 28, 2013 information was released stating that there would be an in crease to cruising permits for boaters en tering the country effective July 1, 2013. The fees increased by $100 for a boat under 35 feet it increased from $250 to $350 (a 40% increase) and the fee for boats over 35 feet increased from $300 to $400 (a 33.3% increase). The marina operator said that the levels after the last increase ten years ago. If anybody did a study and researched it they would know we are going to lose money on it. I know the government needs money and its always painful, but theres better ways to do it that wont shoot our selves in the foot, they said. Boaters reacted angrily on July 1, 2003 when the government boosted its previous $100 entry fee to $300 a 200-percent increase for boats 35 feet and larger. Cruisers in smaller boats were in creased to $150 instead of the previous $100. Days later, after some kickback, the government postponed the implementation until January 1, 2004 and allowed boaters who had paid the entry fee once an addi tional trip at no extra charge. Central & All Abaco By Timothy Roberts Deputy Prime Minister and Minis ter of Works and Urban Renewal, Philip Brave Davis, who met with the China Har bour Company concerning the proposed North Abaco Port on July 5, said that work on the port is expected to begin soon. The project, initially proposed under the former administration, was signed with the China Harbour Company and included a container port to be located near Coo pers Town as well as replacing the thor oughfare between Great Abaco and Little Abaco with a bridge and restoring the natu The project was expected to cost $40 mil lion which was to be borrowed from China Exim Bank. Mr. Davis said we understand gov ernance and we dont govern to feed our ego we govern to ensure that the best is delivered to the people of The Bahamas. The port in North Abaco is going forward. The challenge has been that issues atten dant to it be ing started were not in place. He said the govern ment did a revue on the internal rate of return (a rate of return used in capi tal budgeting to measure and compare ity of invest ments) on the project and found that there had been an Cruising permit increase delayed Minister of Works speaks with China Harbour Company Work on North Abaco Port work to start, Little Abaco Bridge scrapped assessment done on the development of the port but no similar assessment was done on the bridge to connect Little Abaco. It was recognized on review that the rate of return with respect to the North Abaco Bridge did not warrant the cost of the project at this time. But the port was assessed and is ready to go forward, he said. Mr. Davis said that they have been working with the Chinese the last six months and that this meeting with China Harbour Company is to ensure that Aba conians play an important and integral part of that construction in North Abaco. I dont expect nor want to see a dis proportionate number of workers from the orient here when I compare it with the lo cal Abaconians who are here and who are necessary, he said. According to Mr. Davis the China Harbour Company was receptive to the ensuring Abaconians are given the oppor tunity to work. I think they appreciate that they are working in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and that the government is con cerned with the high level of unemploy ment in our country and that there is a necessity for them to be receptive the re quests that we make, he said. He said We know what is necessary for our people and this is an arrangement that has to be taken into account. Parliamentary Secretary and Minister of Parliament for North Abaco, Renardo Curry had a meeting with them identifying all the stakeholders here in Abaco in order to assist China Harbour Company in their capacity to do the work required. the rate of return with respect to the North Abaco Bridge did not warrant the cost of the project at this time. But the port was assessed and is ready to go forward,

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Page 6 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 Central & All Abaco By Timothy Roberts During a trip to Abaco on July 5 the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Renewal, Philip Brave Davis, indicated that work at the new Marsh Harbour International Airport is ex pected to conclude in about eight weeks. Mr. Davis said that he is pleased with the progress seen at the terminal and that they are addressing what they call the punch list at the moment. The challenge they have at the mo ment is relocating the generator and the energy system for the lighting of the air port which is now going to be placed in the [control] tower, which was not part of the original plan, he said. The government reviewed the change order for the work to be done and assessed the additional costs. Mr. Davis said the work has been authorized to commence and it is hoped that it will not cause any inordinate delays. The control tower has its own genera tor and now the terminals back-up genera tor will also be located at the same place. Additional trenching will be done and will go around the runway to connect at the tower. Mr. Davis noted that there have been some hiccups in the commencement of the security booth and fence. There is a mis match between what was originally thought was necessary and what is in fact necessary and that is being addressed. Those hiccups are being resolved and the works will get off expeditiously to coincide with the com pletion of the whole process. Mr. Davis also said they are seriously contemplating extending the runway and are looking at adding at least an additional 600 feet to accommodate larger aircrafts. With the airbuses there is a question of the wingspan (the Airbus 330 has a wing span of 192 feet) so we are looking to be able to accommodate them, he said. He concluded that the fact of the matter is that the investment in the termi nal mismatches the runway and the type of aircraft the runway can accommodate. So the two. Terminal completion two months away By Timothy Roberts Deputy Prime Minister and Minis ter of Works and Urban Renewal, Philip Brave Davis, met with engineers in Abaco and indicated that assessments are ongoing and road work will be underway in short order. Mr. Davis said that there are plans underway to pave the roads in Abaco with asphalt and engineers are looking at the lo gistics in early July and are ensuring that they procure asphalt locally at a reasonable price. He indicated that they have faced challenges getting a reasonable rate as the persons who are able to supply the asphalt are competitors to the contractor, Sim mons Construction and Heavy Equipment Company, and we felt the price they were charging for the asphalt was exorbitant. However, he noted that they now have an arrangement for asphalt with the we had our civil engineer down to assess and work with the contractor and supplier to ensure that it is built at a reasonable and acceptable cost to the Bahamian people. He met with Simmons Construction terial with them and to review the com plaints about shoddy workmanship. Mr. Davis said the issue was not re ally shoddy work but was due to problems fact that they are not putting on black top but sand and seal which is easily disturbed when there is not time for it to be cured. The engineers are examining the lo gistics of drainage and gullies as a part of the accommodations work. What I prom those things so that they will have little challenge with their use of the roads in this part of the community. On the question of Simmons Con struction Companys ability to provide quality work he said Theres no doubt in my mind that they have the capacity to ex ecute the works. I think they will shore up He explained that the challenge for Simmons Construction Company, which may have contributed, is the fact that for many years they have not had much work of the kind they now do. That does not diminish the ability to do the work. What happened is most of their good workers would have been laid off or otherwise em ployed. He has now been bringing them back on board now that he has some work to do. He added I understand that people will not accept his reasons but it is always where the cry comes from. Its very dif those who are not pleased make the loudest noise. More road work promised

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section A Page 7 White Sound, Elbow Cay FULL SERVICE MARINA WATERFRONT VILLAS For local transporation to Sea Spray call VHF 16 or 366-0065 email : info@seasprayresort.com www.seasprayresort.com Bahamian Breakfast Sat. & Sun. Enjoy a delicious dinner with us Sea Spray will pick up from Hope Town Happy Hour Daily 5 pm 6 pm Open Year Round Come lounge at The Helm, our indoor bar Boat House Restaurant Tuesday Night BBQ Buffet ALL YOU CAN EAT $20.00 per person LIVE MUSIC by: Clint Sawyer Join in the limbo with Desmond Cartwright Every Tuesday 6:30 pm 9 pm Starting April 9th North Abaco By Timothy Roberts Grand Cay native, Hamilton Russell, is releasing a gospel music album in midJuly that is meant to suit the whole family. Mr. Russell, who also sings with the Gospel Moonlighters, would like the album to make it to every household in for their children. I am trying to reach young people because sometime it looks like we turn our back on them, he said. Now is the time to focus on them and with them to moti vate them and the whole household. The name of the album is Im In Love With God and Mr. Russell will be in Central Abaco in mid-July to promote his album on the radio and in the commu nity. almost 30 years and is a deacon in the Pen tecostal Church of God in Grand Cay. Grand Cay Gospel singer releases album He is releasing a gospel album. U.S. Independence in Treasure Cay a daylong event By Vernique Russell ers and red, white and blue invaded Trea sure Cay as scores of United States tour their independence. There were many cel ebrations and get-togethers in lieu of it, but the celebration hosted by Treasure Cay Resort was show stopping. that morning at 11am and ending at sun rise on the July 5. A family fun day which included activities such as the famous pig roast, kids fun area and music by Baha mian Disc Jockey Da Mighty Pencil was the order of the day at the Coco Beach Bar. While over at the Tipsy Bar the reggae lov ers pool party was in full swing. That afternoon at about 6 pm, limbo order at the Coco Beach and this was party number three. The fourth and most popular party was dubbed as the largest pizza event ever and was held at Tipsy Seagull. The legendary Chris the Burner Russell and the Funk Creation turned the party up. Following that party was the last and the sun came up and featured an invita tional clash of the djs competition. Folks danced the night away and ushered in the dawn of a new day. Visitors and local resident alike gath ered from near and far to be a part of the festivities. It was by all means a night to remember. A large variety of cuisine was also available for the visitor to part take in. Mighty Pencil seemed to be highly rated and among the crowd favorite perfor mances of the night. Many locals joined the American visitors as they celebrated their 237th Independence. This event was indeed a very successful one and proved to be a great way to celebrate. It united the people of our nation and visitors to our shores. The committee outdid themselves in delivering an epic event. Fire Road to host inaugural Fishing Tournament & Festival By Vernique Russell Headed Home Cus Its A Family Affair, is the theme of the inaugural Fire Road Fishing Tournament and Festival. The activities are from July 12 to 14, at the Fire Road Public Bay. Activities for the festival include a basketball tournament, dominos tourna ment, watermelon eating competition, fashion show, gospel concert, swimming contest, skits and lots more. All competi tion is open to the public for entry. The committee is also looking for the then you are invited to sign up for your An invitation is extended to the general public, especially persons who are from the community of Fire Road, to join them for this exciting time of fun and fellowship. Interested parties can contact commit tee members Sophia Thompson 365-0079, Eric Collie 475-4475 or Carolee Russell at 475-1865.

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Page 8 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 From the Editor's Desk // Caveats The Abaconian Bradley M. Albury Editor-in-Chief AB 20213 Marsh Harbour Abaco, The Bahamas Logo Photo Credit: Tuppy Weatherford Reporters/Freelance Contributors: Canishka Alexander, Samantha Evans, Jennifer Hudson, Timothy Roberts, Mirella Santillo, Rashida Murray, Lee Pinder Phone 242-367-3200 FAX 242-367-3677 AbaconianNews@gmail.com Subscribe NOW Order form on Page 9 Abacos most complete newspaper. 2022 Aero Circle New Smyrna Beach FL. 32168 7,500 copies Published twice monthly Free at over 100 Abaco locations from Grand Cay to Moores Is. Subscription rates: $20.00 Abaco $25 other Bahamas (One Year) $45.00 USA $65 Canada airmail $95.00 UK, Europe & Caribbean surface Order The Abaconian Today JUNE 2012 Name Address Address City St. Postal code + Country E-mail or Tel # 24 issues US$ or B$ Above subscription is a gift from: $45 USA via 3 rd Class $25 Bahamas via surface $20 to Abaco US$65 Canada via Airmail US$95 UK, Europe Surface Mail to: 2022 Aero Circle, New Smyrna Beach, FL, 32168 or: P.O. Box AB 20213, Marsh Harbour, Abaco, The Bahamas If you want to renew this gift next year, please give us your address below Why subscribe? The Abaconian will keep you informed on issues such as: Master Card Visa WE NOW ACCEPT MASTER CARD/VISA Community Calendar Sea Spray KB Sculling Boat Motor cade Treasure Cay Sculling Races Trea sure Cay Fishing Tournament & Festival Man Summertime Con certs Contact us to get your event on the Community Calendar: 242-367-3200 By the time this issue gets printed we will have celebrated forty years as an independent country. We will also eight year old Regatta here in Abaco. That is if Tropical Storm Chantal keeps her distance long enough. Both Inde pendence, and another successful year of the VERY economy-friendly Regat ta, are occasions to celebrate. I have some other interesting, but maybe not so festive, notes since last issue as well. Deputy Prime Minister Davis paid another visit to Abaco. As suming you dont pick up these papers editorial (youre so kind) and instead es you will see he made a few state ments. The Deputy PM, also Minister Timothy Roberts about our govern ments dealings with the Chinese, the opening of our airport and the everpopular road works. The government has decided, af ter staying very mum on the issue since the bye-election, that we are going to go ahead with the previous administra tions plans for a North Abaco Port. However, there are some caveats. restructuring the deal to include more Bahamian workers. Mr. Davis men Abaco labour in particular. Our Depu ty PM said the Chinese, who are man aging and funding the project, were receptive to including more Abaconian labour. Thats very good in my books if it holds true. The second caveat is the Little Abaco Bridge, which was original ly included in the contract, will be scrapped. When these joint projects versy surrounding the Port. I heard from Abaconians who supported the project and those who vehemently dis agreed with it. And like most topics Abaconians discuss, there was very little middle ground. However, when it came to the Lit tle Abaco Bridge I heard nearly unani mous support. The cost would be neg ligible compared to the Port being built and the positive environmental impact would be tremendous. And if youre living in The Bahamas, environmen tal holds a very close connection with economic. Considering North the bridge would open up causeways to long dormant breeding grounds, the bridge seems nothing but advanta geous. Unfortunately, the government ran the numbers and apparently, at this time, that project doesnt have a good rate of return. They must have used the same calculator when imposing new taxes on cruisers (which they did put on hold) Moving back to Central Abaco, Mr. Davis spoke about the airport. There were some hiccups but they are being resolved. Namely, the se curity booth and fence for the tower needed some adjustment. There are a few other things too, since it will be eight weeks until our next postpone ment. Sorry, I meant to say eight weeks until our airport opens. I only have a few things to say about the airport. I dont care which administration is responsible for the terminal woes, in fact I am open to the idea that there is no real fault to lay anywhere, what many Abaconians care about is that it just opens. I do want to commend Mr. Davis and others in the administration, however, for being more forthcoming with our journalists with facts about the airport in recent months. Thats a good sign. ter of Works regarded road work. Go read the article on page six. Go ahead. Ill wait. I dont have anything to add to that. To summarize without comment: ently in the near future, we will be get ting asphalt black-top on roads in Cen tral Abaco; Simmons Construction will be doing the work; and Abaconians complaints are understandable, but ex plained away. My friends abroad play a game of Spot-the-References-to-Roads-andPotholes when they read the paper now. Thats all the juicy news for this paper. We have a lot more fun stuff for your reading pleasure: Re gatta, Stranded Naked Party, Artist Highlight, Beauty Queens and a Cross word Puzzle among other features. So, assuming this Tropical Storm stays on course -aka directly for usyou have plenty of reading material to keep you occupied on this rainy weekend. And, again, Happy Fortieth Inde pendence Bahamas.

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section A Page 9 Letters to the Editor Surprise Tax Increase Not Good for Tourism Dear Editor; I wonder if The Abaconian cares to comment or cover the new Arrival/Depar ture tax that was abruptly put in place for all arriving and departing aircraft effective July 1st. As a private pilot and resident of Florida, I am in Abaco many times a year, and while expensive, it has always been worth it. As pilots, we often bring many friends and are great ambassadors for your beautiful island. We always contribute to the local economy, staying at local hotels and spending our money on local guides and businesses. We cannot understand any Bahamian island $150 more expensive could possibly help the tourism economy. that the Marsh Harbour airport looks to ers will also be affected. Please help shed some light on this unfortunate tax. Thank you in advance for your help. Best regards, Ricardo Romeu God vs. Progress? Dear Editor; "God only knows, God makes His plan. The information's unavailable to the mortal man." rhymin' Paul Simon Many of us are outraged by the con dition of our roads, and the slow pace of development of everything from the BEC plant, the airport, the hospital and the economy in general to name a few. Simi larly, I often shake my head in frustration at these issues. But let me present an alter nate point of view on our situation. They say that an optimist sees the glass as half-full, while a pessimist sees the glass as half-empty. I submit that here is another way of viewing that same glass (without being named Polyanna!). And that Let's look at what has made Abaco the Bahamas fastest-growing economy. Aside from the ubiquitous Bahamian bless ings of sunshine, beaches, healthy reefs, palm trees and breezes, Abaco is blessed with these things: a strong infrastructure (compared to the other 'family islands'), lower crime rates, less dirt & grime, less drugs, less crowding (compared to the countrys two largest cities), a strong "you can bend me but not break-me" attitude dat ing back to the underground railroad and loyalists, and kind, Godly people in touch with what's most important in life. This is not to belittle the blessings and spirits of any of the larger or smaller islands (when ever we dare to stereotype, we mislabel a number of great people). But having spent time in each, Abaco is unique, and rates the highest overall positive scores in these categories, as witnessed by our growth. Speaking of growth, history is des tined to repeat itself. Extremely few cit ies anywhere in the world are the result of planned, controlled growth. Marsh Har bour is not unique at all with respect to needing wider roads, better roads, parking, etc, etc. When several multi-billion dol lar projects were approved around 2007, many of us watched nervously. How can our infrastructure possibly support this? Will we become the next 'big city' with accompanying crime, dirt and drugs? Will growth that is too rapid 'kill the goose that laid the golden egg'? Tourism is our #1 product, and unlike many of our past economic staples, this one appears to be sustainable. But only if Abaco keeps its unique features and charm that positioned it for growth. I understand completely when native Abaconians dis play their pride and write what must our tourists think when they see our deplor able roads?, what of our tiny airport, or the trash on our highways?. Well, I submit that perhaps this brings back the humble tourist. The families who want to spend their hard earned dollar in an idyllic paradise that I talk with simply love these little imperfections. I also submit that it drives out some of the elements that we do not want, or at worst helps keep our rate of growth in check. So like my neighbor, Donnie Wood, I embrace the reality, and ideas like adopting a pothole, or "the Pothole Preservation So ciety" (sometimes when it sounds crazy or silly, it is pure genius in mind-set). When God gives you lemons, make lemonade! And you don't question it or complain. Our glasses (and without needing to "God makes His plan." Jack Bowers, RPh 2nd Home-Owner Bahama Palm Shores Surprise Fees are Outrageous Dear Editor; I have a home in Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands. Upon departure yesterday I was informed of new outrageous fees for aircraft and boats entering and departing The Bahamas. This is in addition to the current departure tax. I felt I should notify your publication as we received no prior notice. We are going to boycott The Baha garding the scheduled Fly In to Treasure Cay on July 4th.There will be a genuine effort to boycott until this is rescinded. There are also people thinking of putting their homes up for sale. This will have a devastating effect on the property values throughout The Bahamas, as well as the economy of all islands. We all pay duty, property taxes and many other taxes. We help support the economy and get little in return. I feel inform all its readers of this unfair event. Sincerely, Jeffrey Foreman, G.H.C. Berry Islands,BH. P.S. many yachting organizations are also being informed. Editors Note: The increased cruising per mit has been Delayed Pending Consulta tion with Marina Operators. More Letters on Page 18

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Page 10 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 Regatta Time in Abaco The Gulfstream of cool people. If you make it here, youre an awesome person because this is the meeting ground of the coolest people on the planet. Hucke paused, in fact, you almost cant This is the most fun regatta in the world, I think. After assisting the crew of Lazarus a photo to post to their favourite social network, Captain John Zinskey explained that they were here to win the races, tear down The Bahamas, and keep it real. Crew members Dan and James were not to be left out. Were on Lazarus getting hazard ous, and were going to win these races. They dodged my question on how they had heard about the race, supplying a question and answer of their own. Who hasnt heard about it, James queried. Look at all these people; the If you make it here, youre an awesome person because this is the meeting ground of the coolest people on the planet. After a brief Skippers Meeting that afternoon, the coolest people on the plan Turtle Cay. An all-out American Indepen dence Celebration and Awards Party took place at The Bluff Houses Tranquil Tur tle. MP for North Abaco Mr. Renardo Curry was in attendance as well as Ad ministrators Neil Camp bell and Ste phen Wil son, and Mr. Craig Flow ers. In the Multihull Division, Cata second and third place winners were: Cool Change, Abaco Glow and Sempre Aman tes, respectively. The top three RTIA RTIA From Page 1 Please see RTIA Page 11 Above: Cool Cat 1 races through the Sea of Abaco.

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section A Page 11 The Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour announces the availability of a limited number of luxury condominiums for sale at The Harbour Residences For more information visit www.AbacoBeachResort.com or call 242-367-2585 or 242-367-2158 Were on Lazarus getting hazardous... all we do is win Theres not a single boat slip available, the marinas are full, theres not a single hotel room available winners were: Bala mena II, Susimi and Living the Dream. The Mother Tub Division was separated into a Class C and a Class D. In Mother Tub C, second, and Restless secured third place. Finally in the Mother Tub D Class, Erin place; and Tenacious settled into third. July 5 was designated a Lay Day, and party at Treasure Cay Resort and Marina and Coco Beach Bar. Race 2 took place from Treasure Cay to Guana Cay the fol lowing day. In the Multihull category, Cool Cat Fringe Element, third. In the PHRF di vision, Sempre Amantes moved up to ond with Cool Change closely behind in Regatta Time in Abaco RTIA From Page 10 third. Living the Dream topped the RTIA division, while Tanglefoot and Susimi placed second and third, respectively. The Mother Tub C competitors: Spongecake, then CAVU and Cheval took the top three spots. Finally, the Mother Tub D Class was dominated by Dreamy Daze cious, third. On July 8, sailors made their way from Guana Cay to Marsh Harbour for Race 3. A Party and Awards Ceremony took place at the Crossing Beach, and locals joined visitors for a time of live entertain ment and Junkanoo as food vendors served native delicacies. On July 9, Race 4 was scheduled from Marsh Har bour to Hope Town. Unfortunately, Tropi cal Storm Chantal created adverse weather conditions, which discouraged boaters and organizers from attempting that race. A de cision was made to cancel the July 9 Race. Nevertheless, those who attended the Regatta so far have enjoyed the events. Al though there are many reasons why people attend the Regatta, no one can dispute that it brings people together for a great time of sailing, it promotes camaraderie among visitors and residents, and it is the meeting place for a grand celebration. results. Race.

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Page 12 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 DAMIANOS

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section A Page 13 DAMIANOS

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Page 14 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 Barefoot Marketing

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section A Page 15 Barefoot Marketing

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Page 16 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 STANDARD HARDWARELumber & Plumbing Supplies email: standardhardware@netbusiness.com We boast a fully stocked lumber yard complete with pine, cypress, fir, molding, windows, roofing supplies, plywood and much more. Visit us today and let our friendly and professional staff assist you! A Budding Young Artist Blake Russell By Jennifer Hudson Blake Russell is an eighteen year old with a huge amount of artistic talent. Like many artists, he began as a young child doodling cartoon characters. Six years ago he began attending the Every Child Counts School where they have a good art programme and the art teacher, Miss Amanda, introduced the idea of painting on furniture. life he painted on a door. His talents were immediately recognized and he went on to create many more beautiful scenes and motifs on various furniture pieces which were auctioned at various events to raise funds for the school. Blake has also been helped immensely by his new teacher at the school, Miss Nicole. He sat the BJC Art examination with an excellent B grade pass. Principal of Every Child Counts School, Lynn Major, always told Blake that if he kept working hard there would be a reward. This gave me motivation and I fed off the thought that I could go somewhere different, he remembers. Blake attributes his artistic talents to Artist Highlight his family genes since he says that there are many artists and artisans on both his mothers and fathers sides of his fam ily which include Artist Zyandric Jones and crafts lady Lovely Reckley. While at school working on his art pieces Blake was discovered by a volunteer at the school, Rita Heffner. Ms. Heffner is a very talented Italian professional artist. She worked with Blake at school for the past four years and he time. Blake says; I think she took a spe cial interest in me because I always worked in silence and took art very seriously. She was amazed and worked one on one with me in free time during lunch break. Ms. Heffner was, in fact, so impressed with Blakes dedication and the standard of his work that she invited him to Italy to study with her. Blakes mother was concerned about her young son travelling so far but he did not want to give up on this excellent op portunity so on July 2, 2012 he headed off on a wonderful adventure to Italy. He re mained there for a period of six months, returning on January 6, 2013. Mrs. Hef fners home is in Villa St. Giovanni, a small village about one and a half hours Please see Artist Page 21

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section A Page 17 Marble and Granite counter tops, showers and oors installed Made in Marsh Harbour Call 367-6867 or 367-4726 View installations on our web site: abacomarbleandgranite.com Business Trudys Bakery and Snacks By Vernique Russell Now open in the community of Coo pers Town is Trudys Bakery and Snacks. Offering a variety of native dishes and her famous pizza and pastries served hot from her bakery. Trudys is located across the road from the McIntosh Plaza that hosts The operating hours are Monday to Saturday from 7am until. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner along with a wide variety of snacks. The owner, Trudy Bullard, is no stranger to the food industry as she has worked for many years at the Spanish Cay Resort and in Nassau at a major resort. The owner and staff are inviting you to stop by today and sample one of their amazing menu choices. For further information in terested persons can contact 365-0195. Natashas Offers Unique Services By Samantha Evans Natasha Paul recently moved her business to #4 Poppy Lane were she of fers a wide range of unique services such as English speaking classes for the Cre ole speaking community. She began Cre ole speaking classes for the teachers and staff of Central Abaco Primary School last school year which they will resume in September. Paul stated that this summer she decided to offer her usual academic classes for students from Grades 1 to 8 but included classes to teach Creole speaking children to speak English. In September, she will be extending her Creole classes to the general public with special group rates being offered to corporate businesses, schools, and church es. Classes can be held at their business establishment or at her center. Classes will be held at her center from 5-7pm Monday to Saturday. The summer program is being offered Monday to Friday 9am to 12 noon. Begin ning in August the center will be open ev ery day except Sunday. She will also be selling educational books, games, and toys at her center which will be in just in time for Back-to-School. She has requests for numerous other services some of which will be added in the near future. Persons interested in learning more about the services she will be pro viding can contact her at 367-6285 or 4585115. Her center is open 9am to 7pm. Chakas Take-A-Way By Samantha Evans Chakas Take-A-Way opened at the end of May 2013 on Granville Davis Place in Murphy Town. Owner, Chaka Blatch, started out in the take-a-way business on Hope Town at Munchies then worked for a short while in the straw industry but she quickly realized that her passion was for cooking. This is when she decided to open breakfast then decided to focus on lunch and dinner only. She serves mainly native dishes, burgers and snacks along with Gua va Duff, ice cream and cakes. She plans to add more Bahamian desserts to the menu soon. She noted that her most sought after dish is the crack conch which is totally delicious. Since she has been open, the feedback has been great especially at night time. In the coming months, she plans to revisit the breakfast menu because persons have been asking for it. She is open Mon day to Thursday 11am to 10 pm and Fri days and Saturdays 11 am to midnight. They can be reached by calling 6992086. Entrepreneur Watch Entrepreneur Watch is a feature The Abaconian publishes because we believe in supporting entrepreneurs and community business. If you know of an entrepreneur just setting out in their business please com or 367-3200. If you are an established business and would like to sponsor the Entrepreneur Watch we would love to hear from you as well. Dive Abaco Established in 1978 By Mirella Santillo Often businesses open and soon close because of the wrong location, unsupport ive economy or the destructive results of a hurricane, among other reasons. Quite a few businesses though, manage to ride the roller-coaster of the challenges thrown at them. Dive Abaco, a tourist oriented op eration, has been in business for 35 years, and is still going stronger than ever, in spite of a sluggish economy. Created in 1978 by a US Navy diver, the late Logan Skeet Lachance, Dive Abaco, located on the premises of the Conch Inn, had served the needs of scuba divers for 13 years. Its present owner, Mr. Keith Rogers, bought the business from Mr. Lachance in 1991. Mr. Rogers, at the time President of the Ajax Scuba Club, in Ajax, Ontario, was on a diving trip in Marsh Harbour in 1990 when he found out that Dive Abaco was for sale. Tempted by the great weather and the beauty of the sea, he made his of fer. For 22 years, Mr. Rogers has catered to tourists coming to Abaco in search of sea adventures, be it by taking experienced divers to his favorite dive sites, island hop ping, underwater photography, snorkeling, or training and certifying new recruits to the sport. As successful as it is, Dive Abaco had to face quite a few challenges over the years, starting with the ups and down of the local economy, the lack of skilled per sonnel and the destruction of three major hurricanes. In 1999, Keith Rogers lost his boat to Hurricane Floyd and it took over two years for the insurance to settle the cost of the boat. In 2004, the shop that was then located at the edge of the water was com pletely destroyed by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. It was closed for six months and subsequently relocated near the Conch Inn parking lot. Over the years, the new owner ex panded the inventory of the shop, adding souvenirs and gift items made locally to a full array of diving equipment for rent. Mr. Rogers, who is the diving in ranging from diving to island tours, pri vate boat charters or sunset cruises. For a few years, Melinda Rogers, a resident of Florida, has served as eminence grise to the business, taking care of the marketing by organizing hotel packages and control ling the shop inventory. The business has a website and res ervations can be made locally at 242 367 2787 or internationally at 800 247 5338. New Feature Cornerstones of Abaco Business A look at businesses that have stuck By Canishka Alexander Offering a crewed luxury yacht char ter aboard Scott Free, Nicholas and Kim Scott summon guests to a luxurious and elegant vacation on the high seas. The 120foot luxury mega yacht is piloted by two Bahamians Captain Perry L. Thomas and First Mate Anwar Moss, who are from Marsh Harbour and Green Turtle Cay, re spectively. The Scott Free crew also includes: Arisna Meyer and Chantell Maasz, as stewardesses, and Chef Demeko Saunders of Trio Culinary. We have local knowledge, and well treat them extra nice, Capt. Thomas boasted. Mr. Scott proudly stated that his team of Abaconians, has reached the pinnacle of yachting. From its home port in Erie, Pennsylvania, Scott Free has sailed from the Great Lakes along the East Coast to St. Lawrence, Nova Scotia. The Scotts travels include a memorable stop aboard Scott Free in the Mediterranean where they spent four months. That was real heaven, going from country to country and experiencing the culture changes, Mr. Scott reminisced. Ive been boating for 50 years. Scott Free stands out for him, though, because it is the largest yacht he has owned in his lifetime, and perhaps the most luxu rious with a lower stateroom deck, main deck and entertainment deck. Valued at just under $10 million and an additional $1 million to maintain, Scott Free was built coast engineering and design. eral unique features, namely a large aft swim deck and an entertainment deck that has a built-in moveable roof, a 60-inch retractable television with Blu-ray DVD player and sound system, barbecue grill, Costing an additional $1 million to install, the swim deck was designed with underwater lights, and has a built-in hy draulic platform with stairs that unfold and extend into the water giving convenient ac cess for swimming, snorkeling, diving or docking watercraft. The luxury yacht also and a 27-foot Boston Whaler with twin 225 HP outboards for exploration. Thats just the exterior. Scott Free has four places for dining that can seat up to eight people in its exteri or and interior. Three guest staterooms and a full beam master stateroom brings added and CD players, an iPod docking station and private en-suite bathrooms. The main difference is that the master bathroom has a whirlpool tub, shower, dual sinks and his and her heads. Eye-catching artwork from Israel and photography are in abundance throughout the yacht, and a vibrant photo gallery links the master bedroom to one of the guest staterooms. In the main salon, Jimmy the mari onette butler lounged near a duplicate of the Flagship Niagara, and directly across from a seating area with baby grand elec tronic piano. Here is where guests can for Team of Abaconians help crew 120 foot mega yacht Please see Yacht Page 18

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Page 18 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 The Moorings Yacht Charters The Best Sailing Vacations In The World! Prestige Class The Conch Inn Resort Curly Tails The Conch Inn Resort and Marina Come and experience the beauty of the Bahamas. We are waiting for you. The Conch Inn Marina Compliments of The Moorings and The Conch Inn Hotel and Marina Tide North Bar Channel August 2013 34 ft. mono-hull or 37 or 45 ft. Catamaran Cruise the Abaco Sound in one of our new power boats Pet Permits Suggestion Dear Editor; I would like to offer a suggestion to the Bahamas Department of Agriculture regarding the issuing of pet permits. The than it needs to be. I believe that a majority of people requesting permits to bring their pets to Abaco are second home owners and cruisers who spend weeks or months in the Bahamas. People who choose to, or must travel with their pets are people who take very good care of their animals. I completely agree with the policy to have vet checks and immunization records for all pets brought into the country, each visit. That makes good sense. However I do not understand why you must apply for a permit and then have to wait 48 hours to pick up the permit. For those of us in the cays this is a hardship which is unnec essary. We have to travel back across to to the boat to come back across TWICE. It Open letter for the Bahamian Government Dear Editor; I have heard from contacts on Face book that Government has increased the is exasperating to say the least. Why not consider issuing a yearly permit per pet such as is issued for a boat? This one year permit would be purchased for say $50 which would allow the pet own ers to bring their pet in once or multiple times each year, then could be renewed. needed also for each visit. The cruisers and second home own ers love and appreciate their Bahamian paradise and add value to the economy. Myself and many others would like to see this process of pet permitting improve to a satisfaction of all. I hope the government will be open minded to a new approach. Thank you. Stephanie Allen Letters to the Editor fees for boaters entering Bahamian waters as of July 1st. Has the government gone raving mad? Have they talked to the businesses on Green Turtle Cay how they feel about increasing fees for boaters? I think not. It would seem that the Government has the same mind set as some businesses when things are slow and that is Lets stick it to the people that do show up on our shores. Not very smart I think. Instead they should be lowering fees not increas ing them. And while I am on a rant, how about the Government subsidize a couple of Air lines to make the cost of getting to the Bahamas cheaper and the Airlines stay in business for more than a couple of years. Lower fees, don't increase them or you would not have any tourists at all. Andy Nixon Editors Note: The increased cruising per mit has been Delayed Pending Consulta tion with Marina Operators. mally dine beneath the glistening Murano glass chandelier from Italy, or around the bend at the Country kitchen that accommo dates eight to 10 guests. Upstairs in the Pilot House, Capt. Thomas pointed out that there was two of radio) with the exception of four GPS nav igation systems. Scott Free has its own compressor, and has two water makers that produce 1,000 gallons of fresh water a day. The boat is here for the disposal of the owners, but it is also for charter guests, Mr. Scott said. It is available for day charters or a trip to Eleuthera or Nassau. Its not inexpensive, but neither is the program; its the ultimate luxury motor yacht. Mr. Scott said that because of the expense of maintaining the luxury yacht, they seek to defray costs through charters. Although Mr. Scott had visited Abaco before, meeting Capt. Perry Thomas and hearing about the economic situation on the island peaked his interest. The Scotts and their crew have been on Abaco now for four months, and will be in The Bahamas until Aug.17. For more information on charters aboard Scott Free, contact Jeff Shaffer at (954)551-1329 or 1(954)524-7978 or call Capt. Perry Thomas at1(242)577-0553. Yacht From Page 17

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Page 20 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 Bimini Blue Coalition Teams Up with Save The Bays in the Struggle to Protect Waters, Create 'Sensible, sustainable tourism' Press Release Save The Bays -the fast-growing organisation that is moving toward what appears to be a national environmental al liance -announced today it has gained yet marine environment of The Bahamas. The Bimini Blue Coalition, formed in January Biminis reefs, beaches and waters, said today it is partnering with Save The Bays to ramp up its community outreach and en hance efforts as the organisations pursue similar goals. "We are thrilled and honoured to part ner with the Save The Bays team, and to gether we hope to protect and promote the famous reefs, beaches, and waters around our precious little Islands in the Stream,'" said the Coalition that has already garnered over 1,500 signatures to stop construction of a cruise ship terminal. "Over the long term, the goals of the Bimini Blue Coali tion for Bimini essentially echo the goals of the Save The Bays team throughout The Bahamas. We're trying to promote sensi ble, sustainable use of our island's natural resources. Fred Smith, QC, a director of Save The Bays, believes the collaboration will prove fruitful with both organizations dem onstrating passion in pushing for the pres ervation of marine resources. As Save The Bays continues to grow as an organisation and expand its mission to protect waters throughout The Bahamas, it is essential that we form strategic part nerships capable of extending our reach into already existing communities of active conservationists," said Smith. "We were happy to partner with Bimini Blue Coali tion given the level of dedication they have demonstrated in promoting the cause to protect Biminis natural habitat. The sym biotic relationship that we have formed jectives. According to Smith, Save The Bays -established in March 2013 and forming partnerships with dramatic speed -ap pears to be giving rise to a National Envi ronmental Alliance. "This is exciting and bodes well for our treasured environment," he said. The latest partner, Bimini Blue Coali tion, is made up of Bimini residents, home owners, community leaders and visitors working together to keep Biminis waters the bluest in The Bahamas. Its mission involves the promotion and creation of a sustainable future for the islands of Bimini, including the development of an ecologi cally-responsible tourism industry. Most recently, Bimini Blue Coalition's efforts have focused on a petition drive that has garnered over 1,500 signatures in just over two weeks to stop the creation of a cruise ship terminal on North Bimini. The terminal is part of a $100 million investment by the Malaysia-based Genting conglomerate. Genting was recently denied permission to tear down the waterfront Mi ami Herald building in Miami to build a National News mega resort and casino. It has now turned its attention to Bimini just off the Miami coast where it opened a casino on June 28 and plans to complete construction of the 1,000 foot cruise ship dock and dredge to create a man-made island. While the cruise ship terminal is estimated to attract up to 3,000 visitors a day to the shores of North Bimini, petition signers say that it will destroy what has been called "a mas sive concentration of precious coral reefs, permanently changing the islands most important asset -its waters. "This is a blasphemy and is complete ly disproportionate," said Smith. "Once again, as with Baker's Bay in Guana Cay, environment on the altar of the almighty dollar." The partnership between the or ganizations is initially aimed at address ing two key issues facing the islands of Bimini, the proposed cruise ship terminal that would heavily impact the reefs, and plementation of the North Bimini Marine Reserve. Teen-led international study reveals how stray potcake dogs behave as pets Press Release Stray potcake dogs from the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos have become popular as pets in recent years, and now a teen-led study spanning four countries pro vides insight into how these dogs behave once they are off the streets and living in homes. Initial reviews say the study is, informative, interesting and entertain ing," "spot on," and "a must read!" Founded by Veronica Sondervan of Atlanta, Georgia in December 2011 when she was only 14, the Potcake Evaluation and Research Study, or Potcake EARS, has just released the initial results of its on going research at www.potcakeears.com. Owners of nearly 400 potcakes living in 28 inces in Canada, and several islands in the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos have participated so far, revealing that potcakes share numerous common behavioral traits despite living with all types of families and in a variety of climates. Potcakes are descended from a gene pool that was isolated on the islands for hundreds of years, and in the Bahamas with their image appearing on stamps and souvenirs. They get their name from the scraps caked to the bottom of the pot that islanders historically fed the strays. Pot cakes are often in the news, with Delta's Sky magazine even featuring one on its cover; potcake LeRoy Brown, owned by musician Lenny Kravitz. The research shows that most pot cakes are highly intelligent and quickly housetrained, with many eager to learn tricks. The dogs are very active and en joy running and playing with a variety of toys, and are loyal and protective. Many potcakes also exhibit the "potcake smile" showing their upper teeth as a friendly greeting, and they "talk" with a variety of vocalizations to express different things. In addition to describing behavior, the Pot cake EARS website includes a gallery of photos and an overview of common health issues. Sondervan is a student at North Springs Charter High School, a magnet school for science and the arts previously attended by celebrities Usher and RavenSymone. She was inspired to start Potcake EARS after volunteering two years with Royal Potcake Rescue. Her research has already won her a top Emerging Scientist award at her school, in addition to county and state science fair awards, and was fea tured in Abaco Life magazine. Sondervan plans to conduct a follow-up genetic study of the potcakes once funding is available. Separate commission needed to determine citizenship rules Gender neutrality critical according to Constitutional Commission By Krystel Rolle The Constitutional Commission failed to reach a decision regarding wheth er children born in The Bahamas to foreign parents should be granted automatic citi zenship, but it has recommended that the constitution be amended to remove genderbased discrimination. While the commission recommends the elimination of discrimination based on sex, Commission Chairman Sean Mc Weeney made it clear that the group is not recommending that same sex marriages be legalized. He said save for the issues of the death penalty and the Privy Council, no other topic demanded greater interest or came under greater scrutiny than that of citizenship. In relation to children neither of whose parents are Bahamian and this af fects a great many of people in this country weve taken the view that this is an is sue of extraordinary complexity and this is the one area in which a specialized, highly focused commission is required, said Mc Weeney during his presentation of the re port at a ceremony at the British Colonial Hilton hotel yesterday. And the recommendation in the re port is for the formation of this commis sion to give focused study to how these persons should be treated. It is a matter which requires the highest priority to be given to the government. And indeed as we say in the report that the future peace and internal harmony of the Bahamian society may well depend upon it. However, we wish to make it clear that we do not recommend automatic citi zenship by reason only of birth on Baha mian soil. In its report, the commission noted the "enormous psychological, socio-eco nomic and other ill effects that result from having stateless people. "Not only are the affected individu als badly damaged and marginalized, the entire society is put at risk and its future compromised by having within its borders a substantial body of persons who, al though having no knowledge or experience of any other society, are made to feel that they are intruders without any claim, moral or legal, for inclusion. Such feelings of alienation and re jection are bound to translate into antisocial behavior among many members of what is in effect a very large underclass in our society," the report said. Asked why the commission decided to recommend the establishment of another commission, McWeeney told reporters that there was no unanimity on the issue. "Because the views are so deeply held on all sides, I think its important that we take a step back and give specialized study to this particular issue," he said following the ceremony. "I think it would have been foolhardy of us to think that we could come up with been festering for such a long time. However, while the commission did that issue, the commission has made sev eral recommendations regarding the issue of citizenship. "Let me say right off the bat that it all provisions relating to the acquisition of citizenship and transmission of citizenship to children or spouses should be cast in gender neutral language to provide for the equal distribution of the right of citizenship and to remove any discrimination against women in this and any other regard, Mc Weeney said. The commission also recommends that the clause which discriminates against men be amended. McWeeney noted that in the case of illegitimate children, citizenship is only traced through the mother. The commis sion recommends that the father also be given the right to transfer citizenship to his children once paternity is established. In total, the commission made 73 rec ommendations, but McWeeney said only about 30 represent issues that would re quire actual constitutional changes. Prime Minister Perry Christie has foreshadowed a constitutional referendum for November.

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section A Page 21 GROUP LTD CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING ESTATE SERVICES DEVELOPMENT & CONSTRUCTIONPlanning, Management, Execution of all Stages of Residental, Commercial, Infrastructure or Renovation ProjectsENGINEERING DESIGN & CONSULTINGStructual & Civil Engineering Licensed Professional EngineerESTATE SERVICESProperty Management & MaintenanceAbaco Shopping Center, P.O.Box AB 20200 Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas jnicksims@gmail.comnick sims PRESIDENT & ENGINEER 242-577-7467 Tel/Fax: 242-367-sims BETTER BUILDING SOLUTIONS from Rome surrounded by farms and beau tiful landscapes. I loved everything about the place; I made wonderful friends, the food was great and the environment was peaceful. I dream of returning one day, declares Blake. Blake was very impressed with the artwork of Mrs. Heffner; She does every thing and taught me guidelines for measur ing, texture and volume and gave me all the tools I need. I worked hard every day except Saturday and Sunday. She made me struggle telling me that being a good artist does not come easy; you have to earn it. We travelled a lot and I painted a lot of landscapes. In return for Mrs. Heffners kindness Blake helped her and her husband renovate their house. Since his return from Italy Blake has been selling his paintings to pay off the school for his trip and he does commis sions for people. He really enjoys painting and humans are his favourite subject, both pecially loved eyes he says. His favourite mediums are oil and acrylic. Having returned from his internation al learning experience and graduated from school on June 10 he asks himself; Now Artist From Page 16 Artist Highlight what? I have the tools; what do I do? Blake would love to obtain a scholarship to study for a degree in art or in graphic or landscape design. I am trying to get somewhere as an artist. I know it will take a lot to get where I want to be but I will keep on going, he staunchly declares. He would love one day to have his own stu dio in which to paint and do commissions whether it be painting portraits, furniture decoration or signs. Anything to do with ented and very personable young man. The Abaconian reminds its readers: Support the Arts! Left: Blake Russell with his sketches.

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Page 22 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 ere & Back.....Again EFFECTIVE: JULY 2012 Ph: 242-367-0290 Fax: 242-367-0291 REGULAR FERRY SCHEDULE Marsh Harbour to Hope Town 20 minute ride 7:15am / 9:00am / 10:30am /12:15pm 2:00pm 4:00pm / 5:45pm Hope Town to Marsh Harbour 8:00am / 9:45am / 11:30am /1:30pm 3:00pm 4:00pm / 5:00pm / 6:30pm Marsh Harbour to Man-O-War 20 minute ride 7:15 / 10:30am / 12:15pm / 2:30pm* 4:00pm / 5:45pm *Except Sundays and Holidays Man-O-War to Marsh Harbour 8:00am / 11:30am / 1:30pm /3:15pm* / 5:00pm *Except Sundays and Holidays Marsh Harbour to Scotland/Guana Cay 30 minute ride 6:45am / 10:30am / 1:30pm /3:30pm 5:45pm Scotland/Guana Cay to Marsh Harbour 8:am / 11:30am / 2:30pm / 4:45pm / 6:30pm Any stops outside the main harbour will be a minimum charge of two persons. Two persons or over will remain at regular charge. During the month of August through December there are some adjustments made to the schedule. You are advised to contact the oce for any changes. REGULAR FERRY FARES One Way: $17.00 Round Trip Open Return: $27.00 Children 6-11: Half Price Children 5 and under: Free Hope Town and Man-O-War ferries depart from the Ferry Dock at Crossing Beach. Guana /Scotland Cay depart from the Conch Inn. Prices subject to change without notice. Alburys Ferry Service Honesty and Quality You Can Count On Brandon ompson 242-357-6532 Dock Construction Residential and Commercial Customized to suit your lifestyle Boat Lifts Sales and Service Quality boat lift dealer for 10 years And Much More... Offering unsurpassed attention to detail with almost two decades of hands on experience Contact us today! www.lbtmarine.com bthompson@lbtmarine.com Cell: 242-357-6532 Ph/Fax: 242-367-2704 Area Code 242 unless listed otherwise Island-wide Abaco Listings Abaco Cottage 114 hse 366-0576 Abaco Vacation Planner + 25 hse 367-3529 Casuarina Point Sea Grape/Coco Plum 2 Units 367-2107 Cherokee Lee Pinder 3 hse 366-2053 Marina Albury Cottages 5 cottages 366-2075 Grand Cay Rosies Place 352-5458 Green Turtle Cay Barefoot Homes 14 hse 577-4092 Bluff House Club 12 units 365-4200 Cocobay Cottages 6 cott 800-752-0166 Green Turtle Club 35 rm 365-4271 Island Properties 34 hse 365-4047 New Plymouth Inn 9 rm 365-4161 Ocean Blue Properties 34 hse 365-4636 Other Shore Club 365-4226 Roberts Cottages 3 cott 365-4105 Guana Cay Dive Guana 11 hse 365-5178 Dolphin Bch Resort 4 rm 10 cott. 365-5137 Guana Sunset Beach 13 units 365-5133 Ocean Frontier 6 cott 519-389-4846 Wards Landing 4 units 904-982-2762 Ruth Sands 9 hse 365-5140 Hope Town Abaco Inn 22 rm 366-0133 Crystal Villas 5 villas 321-452-0164 Elbow Cay Prop 53 hse 366-0035 Hope T Harb Lodge 25 rm 366 0095 Hope T Hideaways 63 hse 366-0224 Hope Town Inn 6 rm 4 Villas 3 Suites 366-0003 Hope T Villas 3 hse 366-0266 Hope Town..cont Lighthouse Rentals 4 cott 366-0154 Sea Gull Cottages 4 hse 366-0266 Sea Spray Resort 6 villas 366-0065 Tanny Key 43 hse 366-0053 Turtle Hill 4 villas 366-0557 Lubbers Quarters Cay Lubbers Landing 4 villas 577-2000 Man-O-War Island Home Rentals 2 hse 365-6048 Waterway Rentals 14 hse 365-6143 Marsh Harbour area Abaco Beach Resort 82 rms 367-2158 Abaco Real Estate 6 hse 367-2719 Abaco Towns 16 apts 367-0148 Ambassador Inn 6 rms 367-2022 Conch Inn 9 rms 367-4000 Living Easy 16 hse 367-2202 Island Breezes Motel 8 rms 367-3776 Lofty Fig Villas 6 eff 367-2681 Pelican Beach Villas 6 cott 367-3600 Regattas 32 apts 577-6764 HG Christie 11 hse 367-4151 Sandy Point Oeishas Resort 366-4139 Pete & Gays Resort 14 rm 366-4119 Spanish Cay Spanish Cay Resort 18 rm 6 hse 365-0083 Treasure Cay Abaco Estate Services Mult hse 365-8752 Bahama Beach Club 88 units 365-8500 Brigantine Bay Villas 5 units 877-786-8455 Treasure Cay Resort 95 rms 365-8801 Turtle Rock Villas at Palmetto Beach 3 villas 262-820-1900 Hotels and House Rental Agents Web Sites with Abaco Information www.abaconian.com www.abacoinet.com www.abacocottage.com www.abacos.com www.oii.net www.bahamas.com Rev. July 2013 Dr. Ron Archer offers remedies to overcome lifes storms By Canishka Alexander Guest speaker Dr. Ron Archer, pres ently the pastor of the Green Turtle Com munity Fellowship Church, attended Dr. David Allens session at the Christian Counselling Center on June 21 speaking on the topic: "How to turn Pain into Power; Wounds into Wisdom; Scars into Stars; Stumbling Blocks into Stepping Stones; Failure into Fortune; Tragedy into Tri umph; and Misery into Ministry. Dr. Archer is the founder of The Du namis Institute, and has travelled all over the world as a dynamic speaker, best-sell ing author, international business strategist and leadership consultant. In a ministerial career that spans 20 years, Dr. Archer is presently pastor of the Chapel of the Palm Beaches and Bishop of over 25 churches. He is passionate about helping young people develop into success ful individuals. During his session that day, Dr. Ar cher recounted the story of the Wizard of Oz. He recognized that Dorothy listened to the little people signifying that in this life we can learn from anyone. Additionally, she and her companions became unstop pable when they worked together. None of us can be greater or smarter found phrases. Even with God, he noted, every thing is about relationship. His next point concerned storms that people endure namely prosecution and persecution. The sonable Minds. Prosecution, he said, is reaping what we have sown, whereas persecution is when you are doing all that you are sup Central & All Abaco posed to do, yet you still experience hard times. There are remedies for both circum stances, so all is not lost. With prosecu tion, the remedies are humility, forgive ness, prayer and seeking the face of God. Too many people are seeking Gods hands instead of His face, he pointed out. When we dont get what we want, then we become angry with God. Dr. Archer said that God gets our at tention by making the rain stop. How ever, peoples hearts are so hard that they the earthly treasures they have stored up. Next, He sends the locusts the car breaks down, the roof is leaking, someone goes to jail so that everything you think you have will be taken away. If He still doesnt get our attention, He will send pes tilence; everyone starts getting sick around us. He added that if God cannot draw us through love, He will drive us through pain. The prescription calls for us to hum ble ourselves and to forgive, then we can pray. PRAYER stands for: Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield, Expect and Rejoice. Still, Dr. Archer said that God answers prayer in four ways; He says no, then grow, then On the point of forgiveness, Dr. Ar cher said that people are not being blessed because of issues with unforgiveness. While they believe that unforgiveness will kill their enemies, it is like a poison they are taking into their bodies, and it is slowly killing them. You have to look beyond the source, and look at whats behind it, and now you start to do battle, Dr. Archer assured. I could not forgive until I real ized [that I needed to] stop looking at them as human beings, but as children of God who need restoration, who need love and need to be forgiven. Forgiveness is not for them; forgiveness is for me. Are you tired of missing your bless ing? Are you tired of being in the desert? Are you tired of being sick and tired, of holding on to your pain, and your anger Above: Dr. Ron Archer speaking at a re cent session at the Christian Counselling Center. and your vengeance, and wondering why youre not being heard? The No. 1 reason why people are suffering and still in pain is because they cant let go. tion, he said the the Bible still calls those who are persecuted blessed. Persecution is a compliment; it means you got game, Dr. Archer de clared. Everybody in this room is like a teabag you dont know how strong you are until God puts you in some hot water, and whats on the inside of you will come out in the storm. He isnt trying to kill you; Hes trying to liberate you to show whats inside of you. Thats how we overcome and turn pain into power it starts in the mind. Dr. Archer left the attendees with the power: head; heart; hands; habits; and humanity. The head simply means that we must change our way of thinking. The heart deals with forgiveness. Using our hands, God wants us to serve from where weve been hurt. Together, those four Hs, change humanity. When your humanity is changed, you then can change your habitat, Dr. Archer concluded.

July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section B Page 1 VOLUME 21 NUMBER 14 July 15th, 2013 Man-O-War School earns International Green Flag Award By Katie Sands, President of M.O.W. Primary School-Eco Committee It all started out by Man-O-War Pri mary Schools teachers introducing the idea of Eco-Schools Bahamas and the Green Flag. The students all thought it was a great idea to do our part to take better care of our environment. Throughout the year the entire school worked together to become an Eco-School. Looking back, President of the Schools Eco-Committee said it is really special to recognize that each student was dedicated to this goal. Some of the activities that went into this prestigious award: throughout the settlement. Please see Flag Page 6 Above: Donation from Furniture Plus' Charity of Hope Foundation. Island Waves Cultural Centre was selected as the foundation's 2012 choice. On July 2, Leanne Russell presented the cheque to Garnell Limperes Dawkins, the founder. (L to R) Kendra Jordan-Wright, Don Wood, Roneld Escarment (peer leader), Rolgeinson Estumon, Garnell Limperes Dawkins and Leanne Russell. For the story see page 2. Island Waves receives donation, plans for summer camp Above: Nancy Albury, foreground right, presents the students of Man-O-War Primary School with the International Green Flag Award on behalf of the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF).

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Page 2 Section B The Abaconian July 15, 2013 ABACO REAL EST School & Youth News By Canishka Alexander As founder of the Island Waves Cul tural Centre, Garnell Limperes Dawkins believes in hard work and giving back to the community. On July 2, she was re warded for her efforts. Leanne Russell and Kendra JordanWright of Furniture Plus presented her with a cheque in the amount of $3,250 to assist her with her work at the center. Last year, Island Waves was selected by Fur niture Plus Charity of Hope Foundation, charitable causes. According to the companys Web site, Charity of Hope was launched in 2005 as a charity arm of Furniture Plus to nur ture the spirit of giving. During the compa nys annual Christmas campaigns, Russell said that Candles of Hope and Angels of Hope donation tree tags are sold in the stores. Furniture Plus then matches the proceeds and makes a donation to local charities at Christmas. Island Waves was our charity of choice this year, and I was very passion ate about it being our charity because of Im very happy that Mrs. [Krystynia Lee] d'Arville was in agreement when I pitched the idea to her. She fully backed the vi sion that Garnell has for giving back to the community through outreach and the pro grams she offers to not only kids, but to people of all ages. Russell added that Furniture Plus was pleased that TJay Stubbs and contestants of the Miss Abaco Pageant became involved. During the launch of the companys Christ mas Campaign, the contestants sold angels as part of their beauty challenge, and to It was really a coming together of different organizations, which made it bet ter because it was more community orient ed. The Miss Abaco Pageant raised more than $1,200 of the money. Meanwhile, Garnell commented that she was humbled and honoured by the do nation. Im extremely honoured to accept this cheque to know that so many people see the vision and believe in what were year just getting the ball rolling, but from here on out, I think that theres a lot of lives that can be changed of all ages. Im very humbled, and I feel very blessed right now. I cant wait to outreach to the community. Im just really excited because now we can actually start putting in motion everything we spent the last year building the foundation. So this is just the beginning, and hopefully it raises aware ness. The funds were delivered in good time, too, because Garnell plans to of fer a Creative Arts Summer Camp at no years old. The mission of the camp is to empower young people through creative arts and self-expression, while cultivating the Bahamian culture within our youth and communities. Camp will be held from July 15-19 in Marsh Harbour at the Island Waves Cul tural Centre; the second camp will be offered to Treasure Cay from July 29 to one takes place from Aug.12-16 in Sandy Point at James A. Pinder Primary School. All camps run the duration of one week and take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, contact Gar nell Limperes at the Island Waves Cultural Centre at: www.islandwavesconnection. blogspot.com; e-mail: islandwaves.c4@ gmail.com; or phone contact: (242)3670142. Furniture Plus presents Island Waves founder with donation Myriad Minds exposes youth to wonders of Abaco this summer By Samantha Evans Abaco Myriad Community Center is hosting a unique summer camp-The Myri ad Fun Zone-for Abaco youth where they expose youth to the many facets of Abaco that makes it unique. While other summer camps offer traditional places for kids to stay while moms and dads are at work, this community center engages their stu dents in wholesome fun activities to keep their minds well-oiled so that when school reopens in September their brain will be sharp. Every week, the children engage in crafts, agriculture, sports, dance, aero bics, cooking, sewing and hygiene classes among others. According to Bekera Tay lor, owner and facilitator, on Fridays, the more about Abaco and learn new skills. Schooner Bay, blue holes at Sandy Point, er was also on hand to offer free math and English tutoring to students. Myriad Com munity Center is now located on Poppy The summer camp runs July 1 to Au gust 16 from 8am to 5:30pm. They can be reached by calling 458-6314.

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section B Page 3 HG Christie

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Page 4 Section B The Abaconian July 15, 2013 School & Youth News By Mirella Santillo During a long, but exciting, cer emony held in front of a full audience, the graduates of Abaco Central High School, class of 2013, were recognized for their achievements during the school year. On the morning of June 18, 51 gradu ates belonging to the largest public high school on the island, perfectly dressed in their school uniforms, made a solemn en Ministries to claim their seats in front of the stage. The ceremony unrolled according to the usual graduation ceremony protocol welcome address by the Salutatorian, Pay ton Stubbs. She bid goodbye to her class mates with a few words of recommenda must always follow your instincts. Be true to what you are, be your own person. She told her parents that, a thank you will During his address, the Principal, Ricardo Ferguson, highlighted what was achieved during the school year since he 51 students graduated from Abaco Central High School Ethelyn McIntosh, and a crew of 48 teach ers, many goals were attained in the aca He recognized that many students performed at their best, placing among the top three in spelling, mathematics and arts in various competitions, not only locally, but nationally. He acknowledged the graduates who had been accepted to colleges on scholar mi Scott who will be going to Howard Uni versity to study mechanical engineering, Alcindor McIntosh who will study marine biology and Payton Stubbs who will at tend the College of The Bahamas to study biochemistry, with the goal of becoming a doctor. He also mentioned the sports ac complishments of several students. Moreover, he thanked the business community for the support given to the school in the form of equipment donations, and reiterated the challenge he had under taken at the beginning of the school year in erasing the bad reputation of the school re garding discipline, saying that he has made progress. Some of his goals for next year will be to bring the school to new heights, by introducing career apprenticeship and skill training. Classes such as cosmetology, crafts, baking and carpentry will be of fered. He reminded the parents of the im portance of their interaction with their children and the school. Congratulating the graduates, he left them with the following quote: Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice. The graduates showed their apprecia tion for their parents and their teachers by After an impressive introduction by the Deputy Head Girl and Head Boy, the guest speaker Ethelyn McIntosh took the stage to deliver an energetic and powerful speech. With the graduation theme, Mak meaning of, dream, as a strong desire or purpose that to some people may seem im possible to achieve. But with determination and passion, any dream becomes possible, she said, citing the example of freedom odds managed to reach her goals. She urged the graduates to face the past without regrets and to keep faith. She left them with the following quote: May you soar like an eagle and may your dreams become reality. Following a musical performance by torian, Olujimi Scott, to address his fellow classmates, advising them to, set goals that are easy to accomplish. He remi nisced about the highlights and the down sides of the past school year, addressing each of his teachers with anecdotes. He thanked his friends for being at his side and his parents, his aunt and his teachers for their support. Before the distribution of the awards and trophies, the Head Boy and the Head Girl of 2012-13, Olujimi Scott and Payton Stubbs passed the torch to the Head Boy and Head Girl of 2013-14, Conrad Cornish and Jessica Pierre, during a brief but sol emn ceremony. Each student was then called to the stage while their respective achievements were enumerated. A special placque was handed out by the Principal to the student who was the most overall improved, Clod er Saint Fleur. In an emotional confession that brought tears to his eyes as well as to the eyes of many in the audience, he rec ognized that when he entered Grade Seven, he had been a rude person. But thanks to the support and recognition of his teach ers, he was able to recognize what he was capable of and achieve it. Grade 12 teachers were also recog nized with a placque, including Laverne Cooper and Philippa Farrington, two for mer teachers who had left the school for the Principal and the guidance counselor, Kimberley Rahming. Dr. Lenora Black came to the stage, stating that she had to personally recognize the gifts of the graduates who had realized that hard work was the order of the day. Announcing that 76% of the graduating class of 2013 had achieved a 2.0 GPA or higher, she acknowledged the Principal's success and let it be known that some of the graduates had given up their Saturdays as well as their Easter Holiday to take extra classes. More gift exchanges and photos of the graduates with parents and teachers ended the ceremony. The Abaconian congratulates all graduates of 2013. We wish you success in all your future endeavors.

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section B Page 5 Man-O-War Hardware Non-Corrosive Hardware An Extensive Selection of Brass, Stainless & Monel Bolts, Nails & Screws Hinges & Barrel Bolts Stainless Steel Hurricane Clips #1 Lumber Plain & Pressure Treated Pine, Fir, Cypress Teak & Mahogany Interior, Exterior & Marine PLYWOOD For quotes or information Call Walter Sweeting l Arthur Elden Man-O-War Cay, Abaco, Bahamas Ph: (242) 365-6011 l Fax (242) 365-6039 Aisha Jones crowned Miss Teen Bahamas Galaxy 2013 By Canishka Alexander Aisha Jones was crowned Miss Teen Bahamas Galaxy 2013 at the Whyndam the competition was stiff from the onset, and that she had not placed in the Miss Abaco Pageant, she was hesitant about en tering the Bahamas Galaxy Pageant. invitation to join the Bahamas Galaxy Pag eant System, and ended up falling in love with the pageant. The competition initially started with four girls in the 14 to 18-yearold Teen Division, but two girls dropped out. Because there were only two of them remaining, the Miss and Teen divisions were combined to create a senior division. This meant that the adolescent contestants competed with women between the ages of 19 to 28 years old. Two weeks before the pageant, there was allocated for categories based on the judges' interview, most photogenic, fash ion wear, swim suit and evening gown. Aisha was awarded for receiving the most likes on Facebook, the most ticket sales, the most advertisements, and the Peoples Choice Award. To boost her ticket sales, Aisha and her mother concocted a phenomenal idea. Because many of her supporters from Aba co could not attend, they encouraged them to purchase tickets and donate the tickets to the Ranfurly Homes for Children and Elizabeth Estates Childrens Home. 30 people attended from both homes in total, and she sold 35 additional tickets. On the night of the pageant, Aisha sold one more Ticket sales were not the only rea son she targeted childrens homes. Aishas platform concentrated on anti-bullying and emotional abuse awareness. It was a plat form she had embraced as a contestant in the Miss Abaco Pageant. I am passionate about the cause because I was a victim of bullying from Grades 3 to 11. This is like a big deal for me, so anything that has to do with bully ing, I could totally push it because I know how it feels to be on the other side, Aisha said. My thing is if youre going to keep talking about it, and have stories about it, who is going to push it to stop it? So if I could be one of the people to stop it, then why not stop it? School & Youth News bullied, but her pleasant personality comes from knowing what it feels like to be hurt. Sadly, one of her cousins committed sui cide because of bullying, so it has hit close to home for her entire family. People tend to say that the people who get hurt the most tend to have the prettiest smile. Well I get complimented on my smile a lot, so that can tell you how much Ive been through already, Aisha revealed. I put up a faade sometimes, but right now, she said pointing to her smile, this is for real. I am so happy that I overcame the obstacle. After overcoming that obstacle, Ai sha completed her BGCSE examinations, received her acceptance letter from the College of The Bahamas, and secured a summer job. She plans to attend her up coming Miss Teen Galaxy International Competition in Orlando on Aug. 3, while vacationing with family. In the fall, she will head to C.O.B. beauty queen is enjoying her new lease on life. Her bedroom was once her haven, but now she looks forward to doing something almost every day and every weekend. Highlights for the new beauty queen also included an orientation at Super Clubs Breezes Bahamas where she met pageant directors, reigning queens, and those she would compete against. There were many practices along the way for the contestants through Yodephy Dance & Modelling Academy and Bahamas Galaxy Pageants as they learned to walk the runway, spins and turns, and their opening dance. She also attended the Bijoux Bahamian Hair Battle & Showcase on May 24 at the Rainforest Theater at the Crystal Palace. However, there was also downtime for the contestants amidst their busy sched ules. She vividly remembered the fun day as well as an enjoyable evening at Marios Bowling and Entertainment Palace. TO ABACO: Her mother organized a low-key wel come ceremony for her on May 29. While on Abaco, Aisha was engaged in a num ber of community services activities and speaking engagements on being a pageant queen at local schools and church and youth groups. She was amazed by Lovely Reckleys School Lunch Program because of the vol ume of food she prepares and delivers for schools on the island each day. She had a fun time autographing books at CAPS. She was equally impressed by the students of Every Child Counts (ECC), who make soap, purify water, farm and make their own compost, their obstacle course, and by their fascinating artwork. During her visit to ECC, a student gave her a tour of the school grounds, and at the end of the tour, he sang for her. Aisha also paid a courtesy call to Parliamentary Secretary, and made an ap with an evening reception at St. John the Baptist Parish Hall with all persons who bought her gifts, and welcomed her into their establishments to speak. Aisha received gifts from Abaco Tanya Saunders Boutique; Roslyn's Fash ions; and La Chalet's Shoe Boutique. She thanked each one of her sponsors and sup porters. I thank God, my pageant direc tor, Andrea Knott, and the whole Galaxy Pageant Committee. My mother who did My grandfather and Double R Services; the companies that placed ads in the book let; special thanks to Mrs. Kayla Wallace and Mrs. Clarissa Ramsey; pageant spon sors including those from the Miss Abaco Pageant; and all of my school friends, Aisha listed. We received a lot of stuff, but there was no money involved and no scholarships. I get to keep my crown and sash. She received free Spanish lessons, karate lessons for a year, a year's worth of body wash, shampoo, conditioner and lotion, make up, free massages, gift cou pons, three to four sets of jewelry includ ing diamond earrings, gym membership, and modeling and personal training ses sions. Aisha Jones is a former student of Abaco Central High School, and now a re Above: Aisha Jones, Miss Teen Bahamas Galaxy 2013. Her platform is anti-bullying and emotional abuse awareness, a topic that hits close to home since she was bullied as a youth and also had a cousin pushed to suicide from bullying.

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Page 6 Section B The Abaconian July 15, 2013 Quality Star Auto Service Station And Garage Don MacKay Blvd., Marsh Harbour THE PLACE FOR YOUR ENTIRE AUTOMOBILE AND TRUCK NEEDS We stock a wide variety of parts and tyres. If you need an item that is not in stock, we will quickly import it for you Open 7 am 7 pm Monday thru Thursday 7 am 8 pm Friday and Saturday Tel: (242) 367-2979 School & Youth News Brieonna Russell reigns as Miss Teen Bahamas Earth 2013-2014 By Canishka Alexander Dedication and determination paid off in full for Brieonna Russell in her aca demics and modeling career this year. The 17-year-old beauty graduated as valedicto rian of Agape Christian School on June 1, and earned top subject and prefect awards at her graduation. Among her noteworthy achievements in recent months, Brieonna entered the Miss Teen Bahamas International (MTBI) was crowned Miss Teen Bahamas Super model Perfect 2013-2014. [Becoming] the valedictorian has been a dream of mine since I entered high school and understood what it is. Although travelling every weekend for 10 weeks straight was a bit challenging, I knew that I could balance both school work and the pageant. At times it got overwhelming, but I, again, remained optimistic and kept be able to do what I did during that time span, she said. With a 3.85 grade point average, Brieonna easily breezed through the 3.0 or above GPA required for the competition requirements, and submitted a 60second video clip about herself and her platform on the MTBI Facebook page. My platform was, and still is, Men toring to High School Students, Brieonna stated. This subject is important to me be cause I feel as though the Family Islands (Abaco as an example) do not have enough guidance counselors/mentors throughout the high school systems. If we did, person ally, I believe that a majority of the im mature and irresponsible acts these high school students take part in would not be as high in number as they are today. Despite being self-disciplined, Brieonna had to prepare herself both physi cally and mentally for the competition. Physically, Brieonna had to change her eating habits by eating in smaller portions, week. She revealed, I was not too con cerned about the number I saw on the scale; healthier. Mentally, [because] it was the last few weeks of school, I had a lot going on, I managed to always stay positive and tried not to overwhelm or stress myself out. And so on the evening of May 12 at stood onstage holding hands with Angel Cartwright both of them remaining as the Thousands of emotions ran through my body. The two minutes it took for them like hours, but once they called my name, I did not feel disappointed because I knew that I did my best and gave it my all, she the end, I believe that everything worked out how it was supposed to. I still accom plished something that I am very proud of. Looking back over the Miss Teen Bahamas International Pageant, one of the Costume Competition. I was and still am obsessed with my national costume that depicted our national Brieonna gushed. In general, Brieonna said she stays optimistic by avoiding negative people when shes in the process of preparing for a pageant because she strongly believes that other peoples opinions can change your mind faster than your own. So she had lots of optimistic people to thank, in cluding her sponsor, Island Delight Juice Company Ltd., family and friends, fans and supporters, her schools faculty mem bers, everyone who voted for her, and those who attended each event. Abaco in general was such a great support system! Brieonna boasted. As the reigning Miss Teen Bahamas Earth 2013-2014, Brieonna will travel to Ecuador in August to represent the Ba hamas and to compete in the Miss Teen Earth Pageant. She plans to attend college in January of 2014, so depending on what happens in August in Ecuador, pageantry and modeling will be a hobby of hers for quite some time. I do not believe modeling is a fulltime career; however, I do believe that it is an extremely competitive hobby that I just so happened to fall in love with, Brieonna concluded. Above: Brieonna Russell, Miss Teen Bahamas Earth 2013-2014 and Agape Christian School Valedictorian. a beach clean-up. ing student made stepping stones ponics school garden and actively compos ted organic trash from home and school. medicinal plant books. were created from recycled products. walking to school on Wednesdays, and by turning off lights and other electrical gad gets when not in use. many of the native plants on the Cay On June 13th, the school was award ed their Green Flag. It is the highest level award in the Eco-Schools Programme It of the Environment, who presented on behalf of the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF). The Eco-Schools Bahamas Pro gramme is part of the international EcoSchools Programme, which was estab lished by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in 1994. The programme recognizes and rewards schools who en gage their students in taking action to im prove their environmental practice on their school campuses and in the wider commu nity. Man-O-War Primary is among the award, and we are proud of what they have achieved within just one school year. said Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, BREEFs Executive Director. The Eco-Schools Bahamas Pro gramme is operated by BREEF in partner ship with the Ministry of Tourism & Avia tion, and is endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Science & Technology. Two other Abaco schools have re ceived the award: Hope Town School and Forest Heights Academy. Flag From Page 1

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section B Page 7 Across 4. These blustery, univited guests often drop in starting in August 7. Bahamian mutt. 9. Can refer to oil or someones demeanor. 12. Yellow fruit 16. A false identity 17. Sans-shoes. 18. Right alongside. 19. DC Comics main publishing rival. Down 1. A crabs shell. 2. Cay where Stranded Naked is held annually. 3. Unless its neutral its either an acid or a ______ communications on earth. 6. Ten years. 8. Cay across from Elbow, famous for Yahoes. 10. Can be unexpectantly found in deserts. 11. Something disappointing found in deserts. 13. Black, gold and _________. 14. Like a bicylce, but missing a wheel. 15. This race has been held for 38 years in Abaco. July 1 Answers Across 2. FLAMINGONational Bird. 4. DIABETESWhen Bahamians say they have Sugar they are referring to this disease. 6. ANDROSLargest Island. 8. KANGAROOThis marsupial is famous for its pouch. 10.INDEPENDENCEJuly 10 for Bahamians & July 4 for US Citizens. 12.MARLINNational fish. Down 1. SALTInagua Industry. 3. GUANAPrimary school on this Abaco Cay held its first ever graduation. 5. COMMERCEChamber of _________; An organization for local businesses to express concerns and make a difference. 7. HOTELSProvide rooms for out-of-town visitors. 9. YELLOWThis Elder is a national symbol. 11. CRAB_______ Crawlin June 15 Answers Across 4.MARGARINECant believe its not butter. 5.SPECTACLESWorn to better your vision; glasses. 9.MARIACHIStyle of folk music originating from Mexico. 12HALOArtistic effect painted around angels and saints. 14BEATLESArtists of The White Album. 17. THRONESGame of ________; Popular HBO series based on George R.R. Martins fantasy novels. 18. TRUJILLOEl Jefe; Infamous Dominican Republic dictator. 19. PRIVYThis Council is the highest authority in Bahamian law. 20. ANGRYMad, upset. Down 1. SCROLLUsed in the ancient world to write on and read, today is a function of your mouse. 2. TRIASSIC_______, Jurassic, and Cretaceous 3. CONCHDelicious Mollusk. 6. COMPASSUtilizes Earths magnetic field to help find your way. 7. ALTERNATIVEA different way. 8. LINGERTo stay around. 10. HEMINGWAYFamous author who frequented Bimini. 11. BRAINA type of coral; something inside your skull. 13. PANDORAOnce this mystical box is opened it cannot be shut again. 15. LUSTERIf some things are not polished they lose their ________. 16. CURLY______ Tail; type of lizard recognized for its namesake.

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Page 8 Section B The Abaconian July 15, 2013 Sports By Mirella Santillo In the Mens Open category, the Marsh Harbour basketball team, headed by Pekito the Sandy Point, Spring City and Treasure Cay teams to end up in the championship game. They won 70-50 against the Agape Christian School Eagles. Over 20 games were played during Marsh Harbour team dominates the Abaco Sporting Club Summer Basketball Invitational the Abaco Sporting Club Summer Basket ball Invitational that took place over three evenings at Grace Gymnasium during the weekend of June 27-29. The Eagles and the Abaco Central High School Marlins represented the two participating schools in junior and senior and Central Abaco competed against each other in the Mens Open category as well as against the high schools' senior teams. The Eagles junior team easily defeat ed the Marlins juniors, winning the cham pionship game 46 12, after a closer game tournament, which the Eagles won 38-29. The senior Marlins lost to the Eagles egory; they lost again in a close champion ship game that ended 35-33. The Eagles Marlins, however, had an exciting come back in the second half, coming up to a 33 point tie until Eagles John Saunders scored a basket seconds before the end of the game. In the Men's Open, the Eagles se nior team not only defeated the Marlins, but also won the games against the Central as against the Treasure Cay team. They 58-42. There was a consolation game be Point and Treasure Cay. It was a close 49-43. The championship game was a quick one, with Marsh Harbour giving the Ea gles a run from one end of the court to was Edney Bethel, but all the players con tributed to the teams victory, playing a Above: The Marsh Harbour team which won the Mens Open Category at the Sporting Club Summer Basketball Invitational. The MVP for Marsh Harbour was Edney Bethel. Basketball teams compete in church leagues Round Robin tournament By Canishka Alexander Seeking to create a positive, wel coming and Christian environment that stimulates and promotes growth and de velopment among the youths on the island of Abaco, members of the newly formed Abaco Church Sports Association (ACSA) decided to adopt a take-charge attitude through sports and to be proactive rather than reactive. Karen Rolle, ACSA member, said that with church and community initia tives, the members want to nurture and develop the young people into contributing members of society. We are determined and forthcoming in trying to redirect our youths in a more Please see Basketball Page 9 tight interaction game. One of the players, Kevin Altidor, will soon to be on his way to attend a university in Georgia because of a basketball scholarship. Coach Adderley attributed the loss of his senior team to tiredness and perhaps a who have so far defeated some of the best high school teams in the country.

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section B Page 9 Bahamas Brewery productive path, she declared. The Abaco Church Sports Association ment on June 7 and June 8. The tournament was split up into four divisions. There was an open division, which consisted of men between the ages of 20 years and older, a 16-19 year-old division, a 13 to 15-yearold division and a 12 and under division. Participants included church teams repre sentative of Zion Baptist Cathedral, Soul Saving Ministries Intl, Change Ministries Results showed that Zion Baptist won in the open division with two wins and no one win and one loss. In the 16 to 19 divi tries with 43 points, however, Change beat Zion 22 to 20. In the 13 to 15 division, 30 to 20 in the second game, and 26 to 25 Championship scores indicated that Zion Baptist Cathedral was the overall Tabernacle Church won the 17 to 19 divi sion with 43 points, and in the open divi sion Zion pulled away with one point to beat Change Ministries. The score: 41 to 40. Sports Basketball From Page 8 Abaco swimmer earns three medals at CCCAN The Central American and Carib bean Amateur Swimming Confederation ed on Saturday, July 6 in Costa Rica, saw Team Bahamas place eighth overall. Com peting with Team Bahamas was Abacos Margaret Albury Higgs. Albury took a gold medal in the 100 meters breaststroke for the 13-14 girls. She swam a 1:16.90 for that event. Albury scored gold again in the 50 meters breast as well as a silver medal in the 200 meters breast. She also managed medley. Team Bahamas walked away from earned three of those. Albury said about her athletic career, I would like to better my times each time international competitions for The Baha mas that I can at my age, I would like to strive for the next step in my next age group, which is the Junior Worlds. About the competition in Costa Rica, Albury admitted, I was a little nervous in Costa Rica competing against some new Cuba that are not part of CARIFTA. But I am happy with my performance! She continues to train as well as bal ance school and life as a teenager. Above: Albury Higgs swimming at the Central American and Caribbean Amateur Swimming Confederation (CCCAN) Cham pionships. Right: Albury (center) receives the gold for and bronze were taken by Cuba and Hon duras.

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section B Page 11 Abaco Cays

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Page 12 Section B The Abaconian July 15, 2013 Email: info@jmjelectricltd.com Sports By Canishka Alexander An All-Abaco Tournament took place on June 28-29 with teams from Span Murphy Town Ball Field. Fans packed the stands for the two-day event where en tertainment was at its best, and food and drinks of all assortment were on sale. The 2013 season honours the life of Aretha Lockhart Mackey, who was once a softball superstar in her day. Game 1 featured the Abaco Groceries Diamond Dollz vs. Terez Gas Angels. The scored runs were close, but the Gas An gels pulled away with seven runs while the Above: Abaco Groceries Diamond Dollz Pitcher Diana Strachan pitches to a Terez Gas Angels player during the All-Abaco Tournament on June 28. Nassau, Eleuthera softball teams attend Abaco tournament 2, the Gilly's Girls out of Spanish Wells played against Team LA. Gilly's Girls Pitcher Doran Pettys fast balls soared across the home plate posing a challenge be no match for them. Gilly's Girls scored nine runs, and Team LA walked away with no runs. TC Jets faced Spanish Wells AAA Mens Championship Team, the Bommer team up in Game 4 against Creters Bull dogs. Again, the scores were fairly close, but the Truckers ensured they would keep their championship status. Winning Pitcher Edney Heat Bethel and his teammates scored two runs. There were no runs for the Bulldogs. On Saturday, the games continued, and so did excitement among the players as they edged closer to winning the cham pionship title. The Razorbacks came back 6, Creters Bulldogs took away the Hope Town Wreckers chance of scoring any runs. The Bulldogs beat the Wreckers: 10 to 0. William Lefty Weatherford was the winning pitcher. A similar incident occurred in Game car Togo" Rolle on the mound. The Hope Town Wreckers were given another oppor tunity to win in Game 8 this time against the Truckers. Although they were able to score one run, the Truckers won with eight runs. Eugene Pratt walked away as the winning pitcher. women, the AG Diamond Dollz faced the Gilly's Girls. Gilly's Girls captured the championship title scoring nine runs while the Diamond Dollz accumulated two. For the men, Truckers conquered the Bulldogs: 3 to 0. Abaco Swim Clubs success at Nationals a group effort Press Release On Thursday June 20, the Abaco Swim Club swimmers along with their coaches, family and friends travelled to ships. The team consisted of twenty-two excited and prepared young swimmers ranging in ages from 5 to 14 years old. Some of the clubs newest and young est swimmers this year are Addison Albury and Meredith Knowles. Addison Albury, only 6 years old, successfully swam 50 free, 50 back, 200 free, 100 free and 50 Breast. The clubs newest swimmer, six year old Meredith Knowles, successfully swam 50 Free and 50 Back. Ryan Knowles successfully swam earned the Academic All Bahamas Swim Team Award. ming for six months, successfully swam the 50 Breast, 100 Back 100 Free, 50 Back and 50 Free. Susett Pinder, only swimming for 10 months, successfully swam 200 IM, 200 Free, 50 Breast, 100 Fly, 100 Free, 50 Please see Swim Page 13

Page 14 Section B The Abaconian July 15, 2013 Individual Ribbons: 6th in 100 free, 8th in 200 free, 8th 50 Back, 8th 100 breast Academic All Bahamas Swim Team Award Mackenzie Dam: Silver Relay Medals 200 Free/200 IM/ 400 Free Relays 3rd Place Bronze Medal 50 meter back stroke 3rd Place Bronze Medal 100 meter back stroke The three silver relay medals you already have. 4th place ribbon:100 free, 200 free, 200 IM 7th place ribbon:50 meter breaststroke 100 meter breaststroke Academic All Bahamas Swim Team Award Jewel Pinder: 50 Back 1st Place Gold Medal 100 back 2nd Silver Medal Silver Relay Medals 200 Free/200 IM/ 400 Free Relays 200 Im 3rd Bronze Medal,200 free 3rd Bronze Medal, 100 free 3rd Bronze Medal,50 breast 3rd Bronze Medal, 50 free 3rd Bronze Medal, 100 breast 5th, Academic All Bahamas Swim Team Award Taryn Carroll: Silver Relay Medals 200 Free/200 IM/ 400 Free Relays 9th place 50 Breast, 11th place 100 Breast, Academic All Bahamas Swim Team Award Kate Sims: 12th Place 400 Free, successfully swam 200 Free, 100 Back, 100 Free, 50 free Academic All Bahamas Swim Team Award Christina Pyfrom: 3rd Place Bronze Medal 800 Free, 4th Place 100 Back, 8th Place, 200 free, 50 Fly, 400 Free, 50 Back Academic All Bahamas Swim Team Award Jacob Hull: 10th 200 IM, 8th 200 Free, 6th 100 Back, 7th 50 Breast, 5th 100 Free, 7th 100 Breast, 9th 200 Breast, 9th 50 Fly, 7th 100 Breast, 5th 50 Back, 6th 50 Free Academic All Bahamas Swim Team Award Joshua Wong: 100 breast 3rd Bronze Medal (Carifta qualifying time) 200 breast 5th Place Swim From Page 13 Church News Submitted by Rev. Jason Roberts The mens fellowship of Mt. Zion came to the aid of senior citizen Mrs. Ev elyn Burrows, who is a widow living alone in the community. She was overwhelmed with joy to have been given assistance by the Church group of men. On July 6 they paid a courtesy call on Mrs. Burrows and assisted her with the cleanup of her yard. The Mens Fellowship President Reserve Corporal Deacon David Light bourne, says he has a passion for helping the needy and that the auxiliary which he heads in the church was honored to assist Mrs. Burrows. Deacon Lightbourne went on to say when men take their rightful as a result; hence men should lead in the same fashion like Christ leads the Church. Mt. Zion's Pastor Rev. Jason Roberts also took part in the clean up and said he was happy to see the Men of the church making such an impact in the community. Pastor Roberts promises that the best is yet to come as they plan to do even more to as sist where needed in the community. Zion Baptist Mens Group assists Sandy Point elder Above: The mens fellowship of Mt. Zion Native Baptist Church in Sandy Point caretaking community elders, Evelyn Burrows, yard. By Canishka Alexander The Marsh Harbour Church of Christ from the Marble Falls Church of Christ in theme: Show Me The Way, and it was led by Jared Brock, a youth leader. about the life of Jesus. The following day, they learned about the importance of shar ing based on Acts 4. On the day of the cer emony, they observed how God changes lives, and how He even changed the names they learned how followers of Christ learned to praise God even in their most The children participated in skits and musical selections to the enjoyment of the parents and those in attendance during the closing ceremony on June 26. After almost a week of Bible studies from the Book of of the gospel, thanked God for His pro tection over everyone. All together, 106 children had been recorded as being in at tendance that week. Bro. David Caskey, a longstanding missionary and member of the church, made presentations of Bibles which were wife, Diane Turnquest, as well as Jack and Donna Steward for more than 20 years of service of missionary work in The Baha mas. Brock was also grateful for the Stew ards, who assisted them greatly with plan Above: Closing ceremony for Vacation Bible School at the Marsh Harbour Church of Christ on June 26. Jared Brock, youth leader from Marble Falls, Tx., is addressing the audience. M.H. Church of Christ enjoys another record attendance at 2013 VBS ning for the trip to Abaco. He also thanked Greta Strachan-Culmer and Marisa Allen for ensuring that they were well fed as well as all of the members who assisted in mak ing the event a successful one. Really its been very easy for me because the local church has been so sup portive, Brock said. Tonight seeing the kids show up and have fun and sing songs was the most excited Ive been; it was a great and its been a real blessing. Bro. Caskey agreed that the 2013 in Marsh Harbour was in 1983 when the had seen puppets; some of them cried, so we had to turn them wrong side out to let them see, he chuckled. Over the years it has grown and many of the people who were here tonight who had their children Bible School. It makes a great impact on the lives of others, and were just grateful for the opportunities, he said. Haitian Thanksgiving Service concludes 21 days of fasting By Canishka Alexander Feed My Sheep Church of God lo cated in the Mudd celebrated a Haitian Thanksgiving Service on June 27. Bruno Jude, a missionary from Miami, was the erend Pastor Lucien Cledillon, leader of Feed My Sheep and scout leader of the 50th Bahamas Scout Group of Abaco, also addressed the worshippers in Creole. The two men offered prayers of thanksgiving to God for the 21 days of fast ing they had completed as well as prayers for The Bahamas and its leaders. At the close of the Thanksgiving program, Pas tor Cledillon distributed toys that had been donated to him to the children, who were in attendance.

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section B Page 15 Ron-Paul Cabinets PlusVisit our Showroom Located Opposite the old Lowes PharmacyOwners: Ronnie & Pauline RobertsPhone: (242) 367-0546 BABY CRIBS $265 .00 4 DRAWER CHEST WOODEN BUNK BEDS $525 .00 METAL BUNK BEDS $400 .00 ADIRONDACK CHAIRS $210 .00 MATTRESS, BOX SPRINGS & FRAMESRegular Mattress Twin $160.00 -Full $235.00-Queen $260.00Orthopedic Mattress Twin $235.00-Full $290.00-Queen $340.00 FLOORING Commercial Carpet..............$11.00 sq.yd. Carpet Padding...................$5.75 sq.yd. Laminate Flooring..............$2.50 sq.ft. Padding................................$0.55 sq.ft. MORE BEDS Wooden Toddler Beds...............$175.00Rollaway Beds...........................$245.00 Church News Cherokee Assemblies of God holds Ministerial Installation Service By Lee Pinder The Assemblies of God Church in as their newest Minister on Sunday, June cials, well-wishers, family and friends. Brother Darrells family has a long history of church service in Cherokee. His great-grandfather, William Walter Sands, was a lay-preacher in The Cherokee Meth odist church in the 1940s and 50s. Mr. Walter was also the local Justice-of-thePeace, Postmaster and Headmaster of the one-room schoolhouse with over 100 stu dents to attend to that was restored in 2004 and named in his honour as the W.W.Sands Community Center. While his great-grandfather on the other side of the family, Talbert Sawyer, was said to have gone out nights with a lantern that he would hang on a fence post to preach on the streets of Cherokee. He did this after the Brethren Church that was located off the eastern track road was lost in the same hurricane of 1932 that took the Methodist church. His grandfather, Bate man Sands, who just celebrated his 80th birthday this year, is still preaching (and playing the harmonica) today, with a lit tle help from his son and grandson and is able to spend some quality time in his very fruitful garden. He was the local Telegra pher for over 43 years until his retirement in 1993. Darrells father, Roger Pinder is a well-known local mason and building con tractor and heads up the Mens Ministry Services at the Assemblies of God as well as helping with the preaching, singing and playing the guitar whenever hes needed. Darrell is the third generation in his family to preach in this church which was built in the late 1950s. Pastor Earl Weech was one of the many who came to Cher okee to preach in the old church, which had been a private home that came from to Cherokee and re-assembled. Brother Talmedge Butler came to Cherokee at that time and built the exist ing church around that original building then disassembled the old one and moved it across the street where Una and Gene Sawyer still live today. After Brother But ler left, Brother Bob Cornea and his wife, Phyllis, served at the church in Cherokee from 1967 until 1973 and when they left Mr. Bateman took over ministering fulltime. The Inductee, Brother Darrell, has a younger brother, William, still living at home with his mother and father in Cher okee. He and his wife, Kellie (Sawyer) were both educated in Cherokee and have always lived there. They were childhood sweethearts and have been married for tember at Cherokee Primary School and a younger brother, Christain, who is just two years old. Kellie is a stay-at-home mom who bour for six years and has since expanded her many artistic talents and plans to show her work in the January Art Show that is held every year on The Abaco Beach Hotel grounds. While her husband Darrell has worked for many years apprenticing under his uncle, Royce Sands. He eventually outboard engines and is now working with Both he and his wife grew up in the church, attending and holding Sunday School Classes and he eventually joined his father in working with the Mens Min istry, which is an outreach program of the church where the men of the regularly visit the elderly, sick and bedridden to sing songs, discuss the Bible and deliver words of praise and encouragement. He has also been sharing the ministry with Brother Bob Cornea in Man-O-War Church and in do ing so has earned countless new friends and followers. Pastor Dion Gibson of First Assemblies in Marsh Harbour. He spoke about the great need for service with commitment and in tegrity in his presentation and how many persons we encounter on a daily basis do not even understand the meaning of the word service, whether its in the church or a persons everyday job Pastor Gibson explained that he had been fortunate enough to hear Brother Dar rell speak and had spoken with others who had heard him and was encouraged to bring him into ministry since it was obvious that he was making an impression on so many Above pictured left to right: Inductee Brother Darrell Pinder, Brother Bateman Sands, Nicholas Pinder, Christain Pinder & Kellie Pinder, Laurel Pinder & Roger Pinder at the Assemblies of God Church in Cherokee Sounds induction service. in Abaco. He approached him about tak could continue to bring the word of God to those who were thirsting for it. He made a point to impress upon Brother Darrell how important his wife and children would be to him as he moves forward in the church. After the ceremony the inductee Brother Darrell gave a few words of ac knowledgement to the congregation and admitted that it had never crossed his mind to become a preacher, but that he and his came to the decision that he would accept the challenge. The program was packed with songs and words of encouragement from other lations from several other visiting Min with people attending from all over Abaco to be a witness to this momentous occasion in Brother Darrells life. Abaco Women of God Ministry holds Mini Conference By Vernique Russell The Abaco Women of God Minis try hosted a mini conference on June 20. The conference was held in Treasure Cay at Full Gospel Assembly. This conference was an initiative of the ministry to reach beyond the norm and gather the saints and strengthen the women as they labour in the vineyard of the Lord. Women from throughout local min ecutive board of the hosting organization, VBS to be held in Treasure Cay By Vernique Russell summer 2013. Lighthouse Ministries In ternational will be back in Treasure Cay. Sea parish hall daily between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Christian volun the ages two to sixteen, regardless of na tionality, creed or race. The group has been coming to Abaco for the past 10 years Harbour and Treasure Cay. Paul Sattem, who is no stranger to the trips, creativity activity, plays and bible story times. Lunch is provided daily and is free of charge. Bus services are provided. Those who are attain further information. Registration is not required and walk-ins are welcomed. so dont allow your child to miss out. rendered selections during the service. Guest speaker for the evening was Apostle Anne Grant of Agape House in Freeport, Grand Bahama. During the keynote ad dress, she ably challenged and charged the women to stay focused and to cling to the laws of God. She encouraged them to stay in the race with all surety that the end will be worth it. The committee also took the time to honor a woman of faith and virtue. It was their desire to give roses to those who in their community, to women who have Laroda, of Unity Baptist Church in Trea sure Cay. The honouree was presented with a placque and a gift basket. Before receiving her token of appreciation, she sang a selected song about the goodness and faithfulness of God. team have a lot of activities lined up for the remainder of the year, including of concerts, other mini conferences, prayer breakfasts and their district seminar.

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Page 16 Section B The Abaconian July 15, 2013 Church News By Jennifer Hudson Sunday, June 23 was an important day for the members of St. John the Baptist Anglican Church. On this day they cele the Baptist in a Patronal Festival. Rector of the St. John the Baptist Church, Rev. Will ish Johnson, welcomed members of the came to participate in this special service. They included Fr. Ian Claridge, Rec tor of Mary Magdalene Church, West End, Grand Bahama who preached the sermon; Fr. Cooper, Rector of St. Stevens, Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama; Fr Deangelo Bowe, Rector St. Simon by the Sea, Trea sure Cay; Fr. Earle Hepburn, Chaplain of the Bishop Eldon Anglican High School, Grand Bahama who was formerly Rector of the St. John the Baptist Church, Marsh Harbour and Archdeacon Harry Bain, Rec tor of the Pro Cathedral, Christ the King, Grand Bahama. Members of St. Martins Anglican Church travelled from Sandy Point to celebrate with their fellow Angli cans. The service began with a processional of all of the priests, catechists, wardens and servers and proceeded with joyful hymn singing by the congregation and participa tion by members of the Anglican Church men and Church Women. The choir added a special touch with its lively renditions. Fr. Ian Claridges sermon text was taken from the book of Luke ch.1 verses 63-66 and his sermon dealt, appropriately, with the birth of the churchs patron, John the Baptist. We do not think of our chil dren coming to challenge us but John did and we should share our awe and wonder ment at the message of John the Baptist, he stated. John the Baptist did not concern himself about social graces and did not set out with the goal of being different from everybody else but came to tell people to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah by turning away from sin. He told people of the standards expected of them and their need to change their ways and allow God to work through them. Johns message involves repentance and to clean up your life and your way of living, he continued. Fr. Claridge ended his sermon by reminding the congregation that John is their patron; he has done his part and now it is their turn. We can live our lives by loving those around us, he declared. At the close of the service Archdea con Harry Bain spoke a few words to the congregation telling them how pleased he was to be celebrating the glorious feast of St. John the Baptist with them. He stated that the following day would make 34 years of his ordination to the priesthood and he was glad to be celebrating his anniversary on Abaco. It has been wonderful to share in this beautiful service and I urge you to continue to work with your rector, giving Rev. Johnson your full support, and to wit ness along with the body of Christ. Following this service of praise and thanksgiving, a reception was held in the parish hall. Above: Visiting clergy outside church prior to service. Archdeacon Harry Bain greeting parishioners. St. John the Baptist Anglican Church celebrates Patronal Festival Seniors honoured at Older Persons Banquet By Canishka Alexander An Older Persons Banquet was held on June 14 at Friendship Tabernacle Church for elderly persons living in the Dundas and Murphy Town communities. The event was organized by Kenneth Cornish of Greater Faith Ministries, which is a ministry that was initiated by his moth er the late Enamae Parker. Seeking to carry on her work, Cornish recognized and honoured many of the islands senior per sons for the contributions they have made. During the service, Leroy Thompson was the moderator for the event. High lights of the banquet included the recita tion of the entire Book of Psalm 24 by six-year-old Xatia Alexander, whom the audience gave a hearty applause. Senior Island Administrator Preston Cunningham and Bishop Lernis Cornish were asked to give remarks. Administrator Cunningham called it an honour to stand before so many able citizens. Any time it comes to the senior citi zens, somehow I could never pass it up straight, he commented. I have to be present. He told them that God has been ex tremely good to them because they have lived to see old age in a time when many have died young. Instead of merely exist ing, they have been productive citizens, he said. Administrator Cunningham also praised them for educating the young ones and teaching them good manners, how to pray, and how to become real young men and women. In his life, he is still blessed to have an 87-year-old mother, who prepares her own meals and keeps her house clean. Growing up, she taught him and his sib lings to do everything in the house that a young lady would have been taught to do. One could say what one wants to say, but all that we enjoy in Abaco right now is because of what you senior citizens have done here in Abaco over the years, Administrator Cunningham admitted. He closed by asking the older persons to con tinue to pray for the young, to provide counsel for them and not to slacken off. Before Bishop Cornish spoke, Kipling Armbrister more commonly known as Kip co, strode to the podium smartly attired in a gray coat suit and his signature dread locks. He sang a stunning rendition of It Is Well With My Soul. In his remarks, Bishop Cornish talk ed about his grandmother Rebecca Davis from Bluff Point, and growing up in Bain Town as an altar boy in the Catholic de nomination. His mother died when he was three years old, so one of his aunts helped to raise him. He talked about his call to salvation; his courtship and marriage to Rowena Cornish; and of course, his expe rience crabbing. Finally, he recalled a time when there according to him, criminals were hanged as punishment. On Abaco, law and order abounded. Bishop Cornish said that Roy Curry took care of Murphy Town while his father the senior Mr. Curry was in charge of Bluff Point. Arnold Edward was responsible for Dundas Town, and Banyan Key took care of Marsh Harbour. Sometimes I only stand and look our time? Bishop Cornish said. These towns had their own law; what the people are doing now they couldnt do it. Bishop Cornish asked for continued prayers for the elderly as he spoke bless ings over everyone in attendance. Thomp son prayed over the gathering before ev eryone was dismissed to the dining area where Chef Terrell Russell had prepared a scrumptiously healthy meal. While the honourees and their guests ate, Thompson told hilarious jokes and uted some gospel music to the tune of rake n scrape. Joseph "Joe" Davis mimicked the mannerisms and antics of some of the older persons who have passed on. Several people received gift prizes, while all hon cation and commitment to Abaco. Kenneth Cornish thanked committee members, namely Churton Toote and Ter rance McDonald, and all community stake holders who made donations or assisted organized, he is hopeful that the Older Per sons Banquet will become an annual one. now it turned into love, Cornish said. It was a vision my mother had before she died, and I get a little emotional, but I know she is looking down and smiling. He advised all of the young people to spend more time with the elderly be cause when they are dead and gone, so much is lost in their passing. The stories they share, he said, would bring you to tears if you knew how they grew up. Al though weve all been through our share of hardships, Cornish said it was God who brought us out. I am a living testimony. I had a hole in my heart at a young age, and I spent nine months in Princess Margaret Hospital, but if I take my shirt off theres no scar, he exclaimed. The power of prayer; God has been good to me. We came here to serve and not to be served. Jesus washed His disciples feet. Who was greater than Jesus?

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section B Page 17 Rev. Willish Johnson Celebrates 10 years as a Minister of the Gospel By Samantha Evans Having been a part of the Sacred Priesthood for ten years, Rev. Willish Johnson never celebrated any of her anni versaries, so her church members decided that they would work hard to ensure that this tenth anniversary celebration was not missed. On Friday July 5, 2013 the 10th Anniversary service to the Sacred Priest hood was held for her at St. John the Bap tist Anglican Church in Marsh Harbour. The Right Reverend Laish Boyd, An glican Bishop of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Island, was in attendance for this celebratory service. The service was a traditional one with hymns, scriptures, intercessions, communion, and a sermon which was delivered by Bishop Boyd. He explained the purpose of this service, stat ing that Rev. Johnson has given distin guished service since she was ordained. He added that she always conducted herself with dignity and commanded the respect of the people she serves. He could not speak of this accom plished Reverend without mentioning her husband Lee Johnson who has been her backbone and pillow of strength through her ministry. He told this couple that their life and actions do not belong to them but to the people they serve. He saluted and congratulated them and asked them to con tinue to be an exemplary family. Finally, he commended the family members of the Johnsons who came to support them. He it as the couple is doing excellent work. Bishop Boyds message focused on ed on how ordained ministry impacts the church. He noted that in spite of the frailty of man, God still calls them to the ministry to care for people and to nurture them in Church News the way they should go. He reminded them that those who God calls he equips but they must be mindful of what Priestly ministry requires. Firstly, they must be good, kind and caring in the community. Secondly, they long hours, work behind the scene a lot, and extend self far beyond the call of duty. Thirdly, they must know that there will be some leaders in the church that a will not do what they are called to do, cant be trusted, and will abandon the membership position. Fourthly, he stated that a good shepherd must be among people in order for them to know them. Finally, they must look for the lost that are not coming to church or are lost. He encouraged pastors to avoid human politics but to be focused on building up the body of Christ. He told the members to do their part to lift up their spiritual leader and to evalu ate their service to see what support they are giving in their communities. A dinner followed the service in the church hall. Gideons appeal to Christian men to join the organization By Samantha Evans The men of the Gideon Abaco Chap ter are seeking Christian men to join their organization to help spread the word of Jesus Christ locally. Gideons is a Chris tian Organization that seeks to provide school-aged children, hotels, motels, and hospitals with Bibles so that they can bring hope, peace and healing to those in need. The Gideons on Abaco used to be a vibrant body but they have dwindled down to only a few devoted men. On Sunday June 23, 2013, President Augustine Wil liams and members of the Gideons visited Church of the Latter Rain to promote the body to the Christian men. He told them that all around the world this organization is trying to keep their ministry alive because many lives are de pendent on this good work. He told them of them to live better lives. These volunteers are Christian men from any denominations who are professional business men in their various communities on Abaco. nancial donations to purchase those Bibles which are placed in hotels and resorts worldwide. Churches can also purchase the Bibles from Gideons which the men will distribute across the island. They plan to continue to seek new volunteers and do nations to keep this wonderful work of the Lord going strong. First Assembly of God 60th Biennial Conference held on Abaco By Samantha Evans Over the week of June 24 to 27, 2013, the 60th Biennial Conference of the Assemblies of God Churches was held on Abaco at Full Gospel in Treasure Cay under the theme: Connecting to Win the City. There were four speakers over the course of the week with the key note ad dress coming from Dr. Lance Wallnau of the United States. At the start of the conference, the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Patrick Paul gave the charge. He told them to re-evaluate where they are and long lasting effects on their communities. He also gave them some realistic statistics on crime in the country. Cash of Evangelistic Temple was the speaker. He stated that the church shouldnt get caught up in politics and other things of the world. He encouraged them to remain relevant and above reproach so that when they speak to people, they will be taken seriously. Just as politicians of yesterday used to consult with the ministers of the gospel on matters of importance, so should this be happening today but he stated that this doesnt happen in todays society so something is seriously wrong with that. On the third and fourth nights, the keynote speaker addressed them. Dr. Wallnau is a transformational leader as he engages nations and executives, engages in coaching, consulting and resolving con that in order for them to reach the world they should not brand themselves by reli gion alone and expect to be effective. They must incorporate other sectors into their presentation so that they can reach people from all religious persuasions and beliefs. His message was unorthodox but rel evant and very effective. He encouraged pastors to look at their congregation in terms of their gifts. They must try to reach them so that when they leave services at the church that they will be change agents on their jobs, in their homes and in their social arenas. Smith, Director for World Missions in the Assemblies of God. He gave them a practi cal talk by encouraging them to continue to evangelize and unite their selves so that they can be the light of the world. He en couraged them to become more concerned about the un-churched in the nation if they want to win more souls. During the day, training sessions and dialogue took place and all services were reserved for the evenings. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were served. Abaco was chosen to host this conference at the 57th biennial years ago. Fundraisers held to aid missions trip By Samantha Evans First Assembly of God is planning a mission trip to Key West Florida this sum mer. To aid this trip, they have been hav ing a series of fundraisers. This church is known for engaging in mission trips as the last one they took part in was in 2011 right after the earthquake in Haiti. The church members were invited to take part in this mission trip by Pastor Jonathan Carey of Glad Tidings Commu nity Church after he visited Abaco to take part in a leadership seminar at the church. Pastor Deion Gibson and his members are elated for this trip which will consist of ap six children and seven teens. They have engaged in cookouts, car washes and souse outs to raise the funds needed for this mission trip. They also got assistance from Price Rite who supports them each time they take a mission trip. The trip is scheduled for July 24 to July 31, 2013. They will be heavily engaged in food distribution, street evangelism, outdoor meetings, praise dance and songs among other things. The evangelism outreach will take Bahamians are known to live. Persons in terested in assisting them with this trip can contact the church or support them in their Royalty Young Women Conference held in Cedar Harbour By Vernique Russell The Youth of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Cedar Harbour hosted their An nual Royalty Young Women Conference. The conference was held at the local edi Bridgette Wright of Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Each year the ministry hosts this con ference to empower and unite the women of that ministry and those of other minis tries together in worship and service to the Lord. This years theme was, Embracing Excellence. The conference was held the cial luncheon at the Treasure Sands Club in Treasure Cay. Services began nightly at 7:30pm. Special performances were rendered by Soul Saving Ministries, Simone Bowe and Change Ministries, United Baptist Dancers and more. The conference was a success and the organizers wish to thank all those that took time out their busy schedule to celebrate with them. Without you their success could not have been possible. The organizers are hoping that union forms as a result of the conference and would continue to grow as a united body of young women working together to build the kingdom of heaven.

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Page 18 Section B The Abaconian July 15, 2013 ABACO ISLAND PHARMACY LTD.We have moved! Next to ECC and across from BTC, Marsh Harbour 367.2544 tel 367.6544 faxabacoislanpharmacy@gmail.comPrescriptions Testing Beauty Supplies Vitamins Supplements 8:30am 6pm Sundays 9am 4pm Business Service Directory Rentals : Services: Big Cat Equipment THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS IS TO MARKET AND PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS ON A CONSISTENT BASIS. One way to get your business known is to start with a BUSINESS CLASSIFIED for only $45 per issue for B&W or opt for our six issue discount rate. Contact Us For More Information 367-3200 or email: abaconiannews@gmail.com GET YOUR BUSINESS KNOWN!! Nassau 242-457-4SOD (4763) or 225-4SOD (4763) Abaco 242-357-6975 Fax: 242-367-2424 GRASS GRASS GRASS From Our Farm to Your Door! SOD BARGAIN CAR RENTALS Summer Special Rates Mid Size Cars: $70 Daily $350 Weekly Full Size Cars & Mini Vans: $80 Daily $450 Weekly ** MON-THUR $10 OFF YOUR DAILY RATE Don MacKay Blvd (Next to the Kidney Center) PH: 367-0500, 225-3657 (Toll Free) Fax: 367-0501 Located Don MacKay Blvd and Airport Phone 367-2431 Marsh Harbour Mon Sat 7:30 5 Sun 10 5 Visa and MasterCard Accepted Tropical Souvenirs Straw Baskets Shirts Hats Casual Wear Gifts Souvenirs Androsia Shirts Androsia Fabric By Jennifer Hudson In celebration of the 40th Indepen dence Anniversary, an Ecumenical Church Service was held on July 7 at St Marks Baptist Church, Crossing Rocks, for the communities of South Abaco. It was unfor tunate that the service was poorly attended but those that were there fully entered into the spirit of the occasion. The theme for the service was; The bridge to the fu ture.. the journey continues. Mr. Preston Cunningham, Adminis trator for Central and South Abaco, pre sented the Independence Address. years ago The Bahamas experienced one of the greatest events of our time when the de cision was made to manage our own affairs and our new independent nation was born in a peaceful process. Our people should be proud of what has been accomplished as a nation, the level of participation, the socio economic progress made and that we are all indeed Bahamian, he stated. He then touched on some of the things of which we should not be proud such as the misbehavior of many Bahami ans with men hanging around the barroom on a Sunday when they should be in church and the lack of safety we feel these days. He then called upon every citizen to stop and examine themselves and think; Have I been a good citizen? He then exhorted everyone to turn over a new leaf if they felt that they had not been a good citizen. The Independence Message from Sir Arthur Foulkes, Gov ernor General of The Bahamas, was then read by Mr. Cunningham. The sermon was preached by Rev Ja son Roberts, Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church News South Abaco Independence Anniversary Church Service held at Crossing Rocks Church, Sandy Point. This was a special Baptist Church having recently taken over He declared that his message for the 40th Anniversary of Independence was; We deserve more but stated that; Unfortu nately the country is failing because we are not being our brothers keeper and many have not looked back to pull someone else up. In the past we did things together and tunately we have lost the very thing that made our country greatthe band of broth erhood. Where there are rights there are duties and we should look at where God has brought us, he stated. Several other members of the clergy and members of the Local Government of South Abaco participated in the service offering prayers and bringing remarks. The youth of South Abaco played an im portant part in the service participating in Scripture readings, song selections, verse speaking and a very lively rendition by the St Marks youth choir. Following the ceremony, the congre gation moved to the grounds of the Cross them was sung, a prayer for the nation of fered and everyone joined hands to sing Bind us together. The afternoon of cel ebration ended with refreshments at the Crossing Rocks Plaza. 40th Independence Anniversary Ecumenical Church Service at St Marks Baptist Church, Crossing Rocks.

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section B Page 19 Buying? Selling? Want more business? A low cost ad like this can bring fast results Minimum for 3 lines in one issue $10 Picture and 4 lines $25 B&W Additional lines at $2 per line Colored Photo additional $20 Spot Color high light on wording, additional $10 Call 242-367-3200 Fax 242-367-3677 Email: abaconiannews@gmail.com 21 Chris Craft, for pricing and details call 367-3965 Get Results Advertise with a Classified 31 Tiara, 1990, Duty paid. Tuna tower. HT (242) 366-0101. Peggy FL (561) 789-3996 42 1986 Bertram w/ twin 475HP Detroit die A/C. DUTY PAID $85,000. Call $242-6992259 or Email: htwaterco@gmail.com 2002 Nissan Frontier, automatic, 4-cylinder, good condition, reliable. Located in Freeport. $6,400. Call 242-646-3801 Minimum for 3 lines of info $10 per issue Picture and 4 lines $25 B&W Additional lines at $2 per line Colored Photo additional $20 Spot Color highlight on word ing, additional $10 3673677 Email: abaconian news@gmail.com Get Results Advertise with a Classified The New Plymouth Inn, Located in historic features quiet Colonial charm with 11 guest rooms, 50 seat restaurant and bar, garden and porate retreat, school for art, culinary, ocean research or family home. Designated historic landmark, circa 1820. Tax exempt. For sale by the owner of forty years. Priced to sell! Call 1-242-365-4138 or 242-559-9104. Casuarina Point, tastefully furnished 3 bed 2 bath house, central air, beach views, 15 mins from Marsh Harb. $1,200/mon. Ph. 367-2431 Marsh Harbour, Sky Developers 2 bed/1 bath, furnished, with A/C, washer and drier, water included, $1100/mo. Call Mrs. Green at 367-2660 Marsh Harbour, Sweeting Villiage, 2 bed, 2 bath apartment. For more information please call 367-2289 Moving to Nassau? opener for your safety. Have to see to appreci ate. Call 359-1531 for viewing Marsh Harbour, Government Sub, For sale by owner Duplex located in. Large corner lot of land. Can easily be converted into 4 242-342-5066/357-0386 Marsh Harbour 3 bed, 2 bath 1,500 sq. ft; fenced yard, 18KW generator, asking $275,000. For more information call 367-2289 Great Cistern, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 3 story, near the water. Available August 1st. For more in formation call 359-6303 Church of the Latter Rain Youth Department launches Book Drive By Samantha Evans The Innerspring Youth Program is currently collecting books to assist the Latter Rain Mission Academy in Liberia, West Africa. Early last year, Pastor Titus Cheeks started communicating with their ministry mainly because they share names that are similar; theirs being The Church of the Latter Rain, Abaco and the West Africa church being called Latter Rain Mission International. Pastor Cheeks had been searching for support and direction and wanted to know more about what their ministry believes and whether they could work together and build a spiritual bond. While this may have been his initial reason for contacting them, when Mr. Whitney Bain, Youth Leader, started com municating with him further he found that Church News they had just started their ministry and were in need of spiritual mentorship. Pas tor Bain and Apostle Alex Archer shared greetings with them and Mr. Bain con tinued to develop the relationship. Latter Rain Mission International provided Mr. Bain with their church's credentials and shared their foundational beliefs, vision and mission statements. Both churches found that they shared similar beliefs and that there was potential for more. They further shared some Biblical and leadership information to strengthen their church's leadership team and continued to develop the relationship from there. Pastor Cheeks shared photos and reg ular updates with him on how the church was growing and the new projects they were hoping to embark on. They shared pictures of baptisms, special services, their groundbreaking ceremony, the chil dren's involvement in the ministry and their choirs and praise teams. They also shared information on milestones they had achieved and projects they were pursuing. Mr. Bain stated that the reason he gravitated towards deepening the rela tionship and assisting where he could was their commitment to helping the children in their ministry. He mentioned that their ministry was in need of computers (laptops and desktops) and other church resources (administration and leadership material) which he agreed to assist with as well. Af ter several months Pastor Cheeks advised Mr. Bain that they decided to start the Lat ter Rain Mission Academy for children from nursery to grade six and wondered if their ministry could assist with the effort. Mr. Bain pledged the support of his youth group, The Innerspring Youth Program, and told him that he would do his best to get whatever tools he could to make the project successful. Mr. Bain then began working on the Book Drive by contacting a few schools and received a reply from one of them. Georgia Williams of St. Francis Catholic School was principally responsible for or ganizing the book collection at her school along with Mr. Bongon, Josephine Kumar, and others. So far he has received approximate ly 600 pounds of books from St. Francis Catholic School and several from private citizens. The book drive will close on July 31 as he has to ship them in time for the start of their school year in September 2013. Persons wishing to assist with the effort can contact Mr. Bain to donate books or give donations towards the shipping by depositing funds to The Innerspring Youth Program's FedEx account #375475715, to the Innerspring Youth Program's bank account 15373 @ ScotiaBank or use their own courier accounts to have them ship books on their behalf to Liberia, West Af rica. The estimated project shipping cost is $5,000.00. For information, people can contact Church of the Latter Rain.

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Page 20 Section B The Abaconian July 15, 2013 hg christies

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section A Page 1 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAIDWEST PALM BCH FLPermit NO 4595Renew your subscription before the expiration date shown in the label below. The Abaconian Stuart Web Inc. 5675 SE Grouper Ave Stuart, FL 34997 Change Service Requested VOLUME 21 NUMBER 14 July 15th, 2013 Stranded Naked attendance jumps by 25 percent By Canishka Alexander The events continued success was great news for those who regularly attend the Cheeseburger in Paradise Party that was held on July 3, incorporating the American and Bahamian Independence Days into the nine-day event for the 38th Regatta Time in Abaco. This great day signals the start of the Regatta where sail boats traverse triangular or around-the-island courses in the hopes of capturing a win and a bronze sculpture made by Johnston Studios in Lit tle Harbour. Dr. Ron Hucke from St. Augustine, Fla. was enjoying the beach activities that day, and was also looking forward to par ticipating in the races aboard his vessel: Erinsong. After 23 years of travelling to The Bahamas, he keeps coming back. And hes not alone. Theres not a single boat slip avail able, the marinas are full, theres not a single hotel room available, and in fact, 38th Regatta Time in Abaco pits sailors against nature in weeklong eventPlease see RTIA Page 10 Brave Davis comments on projects during recent visitAbove: the Stranded Naked Party, held on Fiddle Cay, is the annual kick-off party for Regatta Time in Abaco. Burgers and drinks are supplied to the large crowds who arrive by boat to the beautiful deserted island. See Page 2. -Photo by Rachel Ahrnsen. Above: the Honourable Philip Brave Davis Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works, was in Abaco on July 5. During his visit he met with the China Harbour Company concerning the North Abaco Port. He also spoke about more roadwork coming for Cen tral Abaco as well as the impending airport opening. For these stories see pages 5 and 6. Above: The Abaco Rage, complete with swashbuckling pirate (near mast) competes in the 38th Regatta.

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Page 2 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 unitedabacoshippingco@coralwave.com Cheeseburger Party kicks off Regatta Time in AbacoBy Canishka Alexander What better way to spend a day in paradise than attending Bobb and Patricia Hendersons Annual Stranded Naked Cheeseburger in Paradise Party on Fiddle Cay. Considered the largest beach party in The Bahamas, the couple manage a crew of volunteers, who help to prepare and serve 1,200 -1,300 Bubba Burgers, 600 hot dogs as well as sausage and turkey burger products. Another line offers gallons upon gal lons of margaritas or rum punches, water and Kool-Aid for the children. There are also activities to work off the large intake of food and drink in the hula hoop and lim bo competitions for all ages. The event is ideal for the entire family and their pets. Compared to previous years, Hender son noted that the attendance this year had increased by 25 percent. He was not too surprised because the economy is rebound ing and many people vacation in July. Its been a great day, and Ive met a lot of new people and everyone is hav Abaco economy is picking up, there are a lot more boats than Ive seen in the last two to three months, and people are coming here to spend money, to enjoy the beach, enjoy the sunshine and purchase fuel for their boats. Balancing his signature 15-pound Jimmy Buffet hat, Henderson said that he added a few more items to it from the mu sicians most recent tours. So thats how the whole thing start ed; its all about his music, Henderson said in reference to Buffet. He ended by thanking all the persons involved with organizing the event includ ing his usual volunteers who could not attend. Sponsors included Bubba Burger, the Green Turtle Club and Lizards Bar & Grill at the Leeward Yacht Club along with U.S.-based businesses. But the volunteers have been great, the sponsors have been great, and like I year, he promised. Above: the Stranded Naked party always brings out the characters. Above: event organizer, Bobb Henderson, sporting his attention-grabbing Jimmy Buf fet hat. Below: hundreds and hundreds of hungry and thirsty boaters line up for their burg ers and boat drinks. -Photo by Rachel Ahrnsen.

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section A Page 3 Damianos

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Page 4 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 coldwell

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section A Page 5 By Timothy Roberts A fee increase on cruising permits initially slated to start as of July 1, 2013 has been delayed pending consultation with marina operators amidst anxiety that the change would harm boating levels espe cially in the family islands. Marina operators in Abaco expressed concern that their businesses which are re liant on boaters would see yet another rebusiness is just starting to get better. One marina operator said Why do this with only three days notice when peo ple are already on their way over? Were making people mad who are bringing mon ey into the country. On June 28, 2013 information was released stating that there would be an in crease to cruising permits for boaters en tering the country effective July 1, 2013. The fees increased by $100 for a boat under 35 feet it increased from $250 to $350 (a 40% increase) and the fee for boats over 35 feet increased from $300 to $400 (a 33.3% increase). The marina operator said that the levels after the last increase ten years ago. If anybody did a study and researched it they would know we are going to lose money on it. I know the government needs money and its always painful, but theres better ways to do it that wont shoot ourselves in the foot, they said. Boaters reacted angrily on July 1, 2003 when the government boosted its previous $100 entry fee to $300 a 200-percent increase for boats 35 feet and larger. Cruisers in smaller boats were in creased to $150 instead of the previous $100. Days later, after some kickback, the government postponed the implementation until January 1, 2004 and allowed boaters who had paid the entry fee once an addi tional trip at no extra charge. Central & All Abaco By Timothy Roberts Deputy Prime Minister and Minis ter of Works and Urban Renewal, Philip Brave Davis, who met with the China Har bour Company concerning the proposed North Abaco Port on July 5, said that work on the port is expected to begin soon. The project, initially proposed under the former administration, was signed with the China Harbour Company and included a container port to be located near Coopers Town as well as replacing the thoroughfare between Great Abaco and Little Abaco with a bridge and restoring the natu The project was expected to cost $40 mil lion which was to be borrowed from China Exim Bank. Mr. Davis said we understand governance and we dont govern to feed our ego we govern to ensure that the best is delivered to the people of The Bahamas. The port in North Abaco is going forward. The challenge has been that issues atten dant to it being started were not in place. He said the government did a revue on the internal rate of return (a rate of return used in capi tal budgeting to measure and compare ity of invest ments) on the project and found that there had been an Cruising permit increase delayedMinister of Works speaks with China Harbour CompanyWork on North Abaco Port work to start, Little Abaco Bridge scrappedassessment done on the development of the port but no similar assessment was done on the bridge to connect Little Abaco. It was recognized on review that the rate of return with respect to the North Abaco Bridge did not warrant the cost of the project at this time. But the port was assessed and is ready to go forward, he said. Mr. Davis said that they have been working with the Chinese the last six months and that this meeting with China Harbour Company is to ensure that Abaconians play an important and integral part of that construction in North Abaco. I dont expect nor want to see a dis proportionate number of workers from the orient here when I compare it with the lo cal Abaconians who are here and who are necessary, he said. According to Mr. Davis the China Harbour Company was receptive to the ensuring Abaconians are given the opportunity to work. I think they appreciate that they are working in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and that the government is concerned with the high level of unemploy ment in our country and that there is a necessity for them to be receptive the requests that we make, he said. He said We know what is necessary for our people and this is an arrangement that has to be taken into account. Parliamentary Secretary and Minister of Parliament for North Abaco, Renardo Curry had a meeting with them identifying all the stakeholders here in Abaco in order to assist China Harbour Company in their capacity to do the work required.the rate of return with respect to the North Abaco Bridge did not warrant the cost of the project at this time. But the port was assessed and is ready to go forward,

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Page 6 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 Central & All Abaco By Timothy Roberts During a trip to Abaco on July 5 the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Renewal, Philip Brave Davis, indicated that work at the new Marsh Harbour International Airport is expected to conclude in about eight weeks. Mr. Davis said that he is pleased with the progress seen at the terminal and that they are addressing what they call the punch list at the moment. The challenge they have at the moment is relocating the generator and the energy system for the lighting of the airport which is now going to be placed in the [control] tower, which was not part of the original plan, he said. The government reviewed the change order for the work to be done and assessed the additional costs. Mr. Davis said the work has been authorized to commence and it is hoped that it will not cause any inordinate delays. The control tower has its own genera tor and now the terminals back-up genera tor will also be located at the same place. Additional trenching will be done and will go around the runway to connect at the tower. Mr. Davis noted that there have been some hiccups in the commencement of the security booth and fence. There is a mis match between what was originally thought was necessary and what is in fact necessary and that is being addressed. Those hiccups are being resolved and the works will get off expeditiously to coincide with the com pletion of the whole process. Mr. Davis also said they are seriously contemplating extending the runway and are looking at adding at least an additional 600 feet to accommodate larger aircrafts. With the airbuses there is a question of the wingspan (the Airbus 330 has a wing span of 192 feet) so we are looking to be able to accommodate them, he said. He concluded that the fact of the matter is that the investment in the termi nal mismatches the runway and the type of aircraft the runway can accommodate. So the two.Terminal completion two months away By Timothy Roberts Deputy Prime Minister and Minis ter of Works and Urban Renewal, Philip Brave Davis, met with engineers in Abaco and indicated that assessments are ongoing and road work will be underway in short order. Mr. Davis said that there are plans underway to pave the roads in Abaco with asphalt and engineers are looking at the lo gistics in early July and are ensuring that they procure asphalt locally at a reasonable price. He indicated that they have faced challenges getting a reasonable rate as the persons who are able to supply the asphalt are competitors to the contractor, Simmons Construction and Heavy Equipment Company, and we felt the price they were charging for the asphalt was exorbitant. However, he noted that they now have an arrangement for asphalt with the we had our civil engineer down to assess and work with the contractor and supplier to ensure that it is built at a reasonable and acceptable cost to the Bahamian people. He met with Simmons Construction terial with them and to review the com plaints about shoddy workmanship. Mr. Davis said the issue was not really shoddy work but was due to problems fact that they are not putting on black top but sand and seal which is easily disturbed when there is not time for it to be cured. The engineers are examining the logistics of drainage and gullies as a part of the accommodations work. What I prom those things so that they will have little challenge with their use of the roads in this part of the community. On the question of Simmons Construction Companys ability to provide quality work he said Theres no doubt in my mind that they have the capacity to ex ecute the works. I think they will shore up He explained that the challenge for Simmons Construction Company, which may have contributed, is the fact that for many years they have not had much work of the kind they now do. That does not diminish the ability to do the work. What happened is most of their good workers would have been laid off or otherwise employed. He has now been bringing them back on board now that he has some work to do. He added I understand that people will not accept his reasons but it is always where the cry comes from. Its very dif those who are not pleased make the loudest noise.More road work promised

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section A Page 7 White Sound, Elbow CayFULL SERVICE MARINA WATERFRONT VILLAS For local transporation to Sea Spray call VHF 16 or 366-0065email : info@seasprayresort.com www.seasprayresort.comBahamian Breakfast Sat. & Sun.Enjoy a delicious dinner with usSea Spray will pick up from Hope Town Happy Hour Daily 5 pm 6 pm Open Year RoundCome lounge at The Helm, our indoor barBoat House Restaurant Tuesday Night BBQ Buffet ALL YOU CAN EAT $20.00 per person LIVE MUSIC by: Clint Sawyer Join in the limbo with Desmond Cartwright Every Tuesday 6:30 pm 9 pm Starting April 9th North Abaco By Timothy Roberts Grand Cay native, Hamilton Russell, is releasing a gospel music album in midJuly that is meant to suit the whole family. Mr. Russell, who also sings with the Gospel Moonlighters, would like the album to make it to every household in for their children. I am trying to reach young people because sometime it looks like we turn our back on them, he said. Now is the time to focus on them and with them to moti vate them and the whole household. The name of the album is Im In Love With God and Mr. Russell will be in Central Abaco in mid-July to promote his album on the radio and in the commu nity. almost 30 years and is a deacon in the Pen tecostal Church of God in Grand Cay. Grand Cay Gospel singer releases album He is releasing a gospel album. U.S. Independence in Treasure Cay a daylong eventBy Vernique Russell ers and red, white and blue invaded Trea sure Cay as scores of United States tour their independence. There were many cel ebrations and get-togethers in lieu of it, but the celebration hosted by Treasure Cay Resort was show stopping. that morning at 11am and ending at sunrise on the July 5. A family fun day which included activities such as the famous pig roast, kids fun area and music by Baha mian Disc Jockey Da Mighty Pencil was the order of the day at the Coco Beach Bar. While over at the Tipsy Bar the reggae lov ers pool party was in full swing. That afternoon at about 6 pm, limbo order at the Coco Beach and this was party number three. The fourth and most popular party was dubbed as the largest pizza event ever and was held at Tipsy Seagull. The legendary Chris the Burner Russell and the Funk Creation turned the party up. Following that party was the last and the sun came up and featured an invita tional clash of the djs competition. Folks danced the night away and ushered in the dawn of a new day. Visitors and local resident alike gath ered from near and far to be a part of the festivities. It was by all means a night to remember. A large variety of cuisine was also available for the visitor to part take in. Mighty Pencil seemed to be highly rated and among the crowd favorite performances of the night. Many locals joined the American visitors as they celebrated their 237th Independence. This event was indeed a very successful one and proved to be a great way to celebrate. It united the people of our nation and visitors to our shores. The committee outdid themselves in delivering an epic event. Fire Road to host inaugural Fishing Tournament & FestivalBy Vernique Russell Headed Home Cus Its A Family Affair, is the theme of the inaugural Fire Road Fishing Tournament and Festival. The activities are from July 12 to 14, at the Fire Road Public Bay. Activities for the festival include a basketball tournament, dominos tourna ment, watermelon eating competition, fashion show, gospel concert, swimming contest, skits and lots more. All competi tion is open to the public for entry. The committee is also looking for the then you are invited to sign up for your An invitation is extended to the general public, especially persons who are from the community of Fire Road, to join them for this exciting time of fun and fellowship. Interested parties can contact commit tee members Sophia Thompson 365-0079, Eric Collie 475-4475 or Carolee Russell at 475-1865.

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Page 8 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 From the Editor's Desk // Caveats The Abaconian Bradley M. Albury Editor-in-Chief AB 20213 Marsh Harbour Abaco, The BahamasLogo Photo Credit: Tuppy Weatherford Reporters/Freelance Contributors: Canishka Alexander, Samantha Evans, Jennifer Hudson, Timothy Roberts, Mirella Santillo, Rashida Murray, Lee Pinderen Phone 242-367-3200 FAX 242-367-3677 AbaconianNews@gmail.com Subscribe NOW Order form on Page 9 Abacos most complete newspaper.2022 Aero Circle New Smyrna Beach FL. 321687,500 copies Published twice monthlyFree at over 100 Abaco locations from Grand Cay to Moores Is. Subscription rates: $20.00 Abaco $25 other Bahamas (One Year) $45.00 USA $65 Canada airmail $95.00 UK, Europe & Caribbean surface Order The Abaconian TodayJUNE 2012Name Address Address City St. Postal code + Country E-mail or Tel # 24 issues US$ or B$ Above subscription is a gift from: $45 USA via 3 rd Class $25 Bahamas via surface $20 to Abaco US$65 Canada via Airmail US$95 UK, Europe Surface Mail to: 2022 Aero Circle, New Smyrna Beach, FL, 32168 or: P.O. Box AB 20213, Marsh Harbour, Abaco, The Bahamas If you want to renew this gift next year, please give us your address below Why subscribe?The Abaconian will keep you informed on issues such as: Master Card VisaWE NOW ACCEPT MASTER CARD/VISA Community Calendar Sea Spray KB Sculling Boat Motor cade Treasure Cay Sculling Races Treasure Cay Fishing Tournament & Festival Man Summertime Con certsContact us to get your event on the Community Calendar: 242-367-3200By the time this issue gets printed we will have celebrated forty years as an independent country. We will also eight year old Regatta here in Abaco. That is if Tropical Storm Chantal keeps her distance long enough. Both Inde pendence, and another successful year of the VERY economy-friendly Regat ta, are occasions to celebrate. I have some other interesting, but maybe not so festive, notes since last issue as well. Deputy Prime Minister Davis paid another visit to Abaco. As suming you dont pick up these papers editorial (youre so kind) and instead es you will see he made a few state ments. The Deputy PM, also Minister Timothy Roberts about our govern ments dealings with the Chinese, the opening of our airport and the everpopular road works. The government has decided, af ter staying very mum on the issue since the bye-election, that we are going to go ahead with the previous administra tions plans for a North Abaco Port. However, there are some caveats. restructuring the deal to include more Bahamian workers. Mr. Davis men Abaco labour in particular. Our Depu ty PM said the Chinese, who are man aging and funding the project, were receptive to including more Abaconian labour. Thats very good in my books if it holds true. The second caveat is the Little Abaco Bridge, which was original ly included in the contract, will be scrapped. When these joint projects versy surrounding the Port. I heard from Abaconians who supported the project and those who vehemently dis agreed with it. And like most topics Abaconians discuss, there was very little middle ground. However, when it came to the Little Abaco Bridge I heard nearly unani mous support. The cost would be neg ligible compared to the Port being built and the positive environmental impact would be tremendous. And if youre living in The Bahamas, environmen tal holds a very close connection with economic. Considering North the bridge would open up causeways to long dormant breeding grounds, the bridge seems nothing but advanta geous. Unfortunately, the government ran the numbers and apparently, at this time, that project doesnt have a good rate of return. They must have used the same calculator when imposing new taxes on cruisers (which they did put on hold) Moving back to Central Abaco, Mr. Davis spoke about the airport. There were some hiccups but they are being resolved. Namely, the se curity booth and fence for the tower needed some adjustment. There are a few other things too, since it will be eight weeks until our next postpone ment. Sorry, I meant to say eight weeks until our airport opens. I only have a few things to say about the airport. I dont care which administration is responsible for the terminal woes, in fact I am open to the idea that there is no real fault to lay anywhere, what many Abaconians care about is that it just opens. I do want to commend Mr. Davis and others in the administration, however, for being more forthcoming with our journalists with facts about the airport in recent months. Thats a good sign. ter of Works regarded road work. Go read the article on page six. Go ahead. Ill wait. I dont have anything to add to that. To summarize without comment: ently in the near future, we will be get ting asphalt black-top on roads in Cen tral Abaco; Simmons Construction will be doing the work; and Abaconians complaints are understandable, but ex plained away. My friends abroad play a game of Spot-the-References-to-Roads-andPotholes when they read the paper now. Thats all the juicy news for this paper. We have a lot more fun stuff for your reading pleasure: Re gatta, Stranded Naked Party, Artist Highlight, Beauty Queens and a Cross word Puzzle among other features. So, assuming this Tropical Storm stays on course -aka directly for usyou have plenty of reading material to keep you occupied on this rainy weekend. And, again, Happy Fortieth Inde pendence Bahamas.

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section A Page 9 Letters to the Editor Surprise Tax Increase Not Good for TourismDear Editor; I wonder if The Abaconian cares to comment or cover the new Arrival/Departure tax that was abruptly put in place for all arriving and departing aircraft effective July 1st. As a private pilot and resident of Florida, I am in Abaco many times a year, and while expensive, it has always been worth it. As pilots, we often bring many friends and are great ambassadors for your beautiful island. We always contribute to the local economy, staying at local hotels and spending our money on local guides and businesses. We cannot understand any Bahamian island $150 more expensive could possibly help the tourism economy. that the Marsh Harbour airport looks to ers will also be affected. Please help shed some light on this unfortunate tax. Thank you in advance for your help. Best regards, Ricardo RomeuGod vs. Progress?Dear Editor; "God only knows, God makes His plan. The information's unavailable to the mortal man." rhymin' Paul Simon Many of us are outraged by the con dition of our roads, and the slow pace of development of everything from the BEC plant, the airport, the hospital and the economy in general to name a few. Similarly, I often shake my head in frustration at these issues. But let me present an alternate point of view on our situation. They say that an optimist sees the glass as half-full, while a pessimist sees the glass as half-empty. I submit that here is another way of viewing that same glass (without being named Polyanna!). And that Let's look at what has made Abaco the Bahamas fastest-growing economy. Aside from the ubiquitous Bahamian bless ings of sunshine, beaches, healthy reefs, palm trees and breezes, Abaco is blessed with these things: a strong infrastructure (compared to the other 'family islands'), lower crime rates, less dirt & grime, less drugs, less crowding (compared to the countrys two largest cities), a strong "you can bend me but not break-me" attitude dat ing back to the underground railroad and loyalists, and kind, Godly people in touch with what's most important in life. This is not to belittle the blessings and spirits of any of the larger or smaller islands (when ever we dare to stereotype, we mislabel a number of great people). But having spent time in each, Abaco is unique, and rates the highest overall positive scores in these categories, as witnessed by our growth. Speaking of growth, history is des tined to repeat itself. Extremely few cit ies anywhere in the world are the result of planned, controlled growth. Marsh Harbour is not unique at all with respect to needing wider roads, better roads, parking, etc, etc. When several multi-billion dol lar projects were approved around 2007, many of us watched nervously. How can our infrastructure possibly support this? Will we become the next 'big city' with accompanying crime, dirt and drugs? Will growth that is too rapid 'kill the goose that laid the golden egg'? Tourism is our #1 product, and unlike many of our past economic staples, this one appears to be sustainable. But only if Abaco keeps its unique features and charm that positioned it for growth. I understand completely when native Abaconians dis play their pride and write what must our tourists think when they see our deplor able roads?, what of our tiny airport, or the trash on our highways?. Well, I submit that perhaps this brings back the humble tourist. The families who want to spend their hard earned dollar in an idyllic paradise that I talk with simply love these little imperfections. I also submit that it drives out some of the elements that we do not want, or at worst helps keep our rate of growth in check. So like my neighbor, Donnie Wood, I embrace the reality, and ideas like adopting a pothole, or "the Pothole Preservation Society" (sometimes when it sounds crazy or silly, it is pure genius in mind-set). When God gives you lemons, make lemonade! And you don't question it or complain. Our glasses (and without needing to "God makes His plan." Jack Bowers, RPh 2nd Home-Owner Bahama Palm ShoresSurprise Fees are OutrageousDear Editor; I have a home in Great Harbour Cay, Berry Islands. Upon departure yesterday I was informed of new outrageous fees for aircraft and boats entering and departing The Bahamas. This is in addition to the current departure tax. I felt I should notify your publication as we received no prior notice. We are going to boycott The Baha garding the scheduled Fly In to Treasure Cay on July 4th.There will be a genuine effort to boycott until this is rescinded. There are also people thinking of putting their homes up for sale. This will have a devastating effect on the property values throughout The Bahamas, as well as the economy of all islands. We all pay duty, property taxes and many other taxes. We help support the economy and get little in return. I feel inform all its readers of this unfair event. Sincerely, Jeffrey Foreman, G.H.C. Berry Islands,BH. P.S. many yachting organizations are also being informed. Editors Note: The increased cruising permit has been Delayed Pending Consulta tion with Marina Operators.More Letters on Page 18

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Page 10 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 Regatta Time in Abaco The Gulfstream of cool people. If you make it here, youre an awesome person because this is the meeting ground of the coolest people on the planet.Hucke paused, in fact, you almost cant This is the most fun regatta in the world, I think. After assisting the crew of Lazarus a photo to post to their favourite social network, Captain John Zinskey explained that they were here to win the races, tear down The Bahamas, and keep it real. Crew members Dan and James were not to be left out. Were on Lazarus getting hazard ous, and were going to win these races. They dodged my question on how they had heard about the race, supplying a question and answer of their own. Who hasnt heard about it, James queried. Look at all these people; the If you make it here, youre an awesome person because this is the meeting ground of the coolest people on the planet. After a brief Skippers Meeting that afternoon, the coolest people on the plan Turtle Cay. An all-out American Indepen dence Celebration and Awards Party took place at The Bluff Houses Tranquil Turtle. MP for North Abaco Mr. Renardo Curry was in attendance as well as Administrators Neil Camp bell and Stephen Wil son, and Mr. Craig Flowers. In the Multihull Division, Cata second and third place winners were: Cool Change, Abaco Glow and Sempre Aman tes, respectively. The top three RTIA RTIA From Page 1 Please see RTIA Page 11 Above: Cool Cat 1 races through the Sea of Abaco.

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section A Page 11 The en-GB en-GBAbaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbouren-GB announces the availability of a limited number of en-GB luxury condominiums for sale aten-GBThe Harbour en-GBResidencesen-GB en-GBFor more information visiten-GBwww.AbacoBeachResort.com en-GB or call 242-367-2585 or 242-367-2158 Were on Lazarus getting hazardous... all we do is win Theres not a single boat slip available, the marinas are full, theres not a single hotel room availablewinners were: Bala mena II, Susimi and Living the Dream. The Mother Tub Division was separated into a Class C and a Class D. In Mother Tub C, second, and Restless secured third place. Finally in the Mother Tub D Class, Erin place; and Tenacious settled into third. July 5 was designated a Lay Day, and party at Treasure Cay Resort and Marina and Coco Beach Bar. Race 2 took place from Treasure Cay to Guana Cay the fol lowing day. In the Multihull category, Cool Cat Fringe Element, third. In the PHRF di vision, Sempre Amantes moved up to ond with Cool Change closely behind in Regatta Time in Abaco RTIA From Page 10 third. Living the Dream topped the RTIA division, while Tanglefoot and Susimi placed second and third, respectively. The Mother Tub C competitors: Spongecake, then CAVU and Cheval took the top three spots. Finally, the Mother Tub D Class was dominated by Dreamy Daze cious, third. On July 8, sailors made their way from Guana Cay to Marsh Harbour for Race 3. A Party and Awards Ceremony took place at the Crossing Beach, and locals joined visitors for a time of live entertain ment and Junkanoo as food vendors served native delicacies. On July 9, Race 4 was scheduled from Marsh Har bour to Hope Town. Unfortunately, Tropi cal Storm Chantal created adverse weather conditions, which discouraged boaters and organizers from attempting that race. A de cision was made to cancel the July 9 Race. Nevertheless, those who attended the Regatta so far have enjoyed the events. Al though there are many reasons why people attend the Regatta, no one can dispute that it brings people together for a great time of sailing, it promotes camaraderie among visitors and residents, and it is the meeting place for a grand celebration. results. Race.

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Page 12 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 DAMIANOS

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section A Page 13 DAMIANOS

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Page 14 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 Barefoot Marketing

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section A Page 15 Barefoot Marketing

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Page 16 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 STANDARD HARDWARELumber & Plumbing Supplies email: standardhardware@netbusiness.com We boast a fully stocked lumber yard complete with pine, cypress, fir, molding, windows, roofing supplies, plywood and much more. Visit us today and let our friendly and professional staff assist you! A Budding Young Artist Blake RussellBy Jennifer Hudson Blake Russell is an eighteen year old with a huge amount of artistic talent. Like many artists, he began as a young child doodling cartoon characters. Six years ago he began attending the Every Child Counts School where they have a good art programme and the art teacher, Miss Amanda, introduced the idea of painting on furniture. life he painted on a door. His talents were immediately recognized and he went on to create many more beautiful scenes and motifs on various furniture pieces which were auctioned at various events to raise funds for the school. Blake has also been helped immensely by his new teacher at the school, Miss Nicole. He sat the BJC Art examination with an excellent B grade pass. Principal of Every Child Counts School, Lynn Major, always told Blake that if he kept working hard there would be a reward. This gave me motivation and I fed off the thought that I could go somewhere different, he remembers. Blake attributes his artistic talents to Artist Highlight his family genes since he says that there are many artists and artisans on both his mothers and fathers sides of his fam ily which include Artist Zyandric Jones and crafts lady Lovely Reckley. While at school working on his art pieces Blake was discovered by a volunteer at the school, Rita Heffner. Ms. Heffner is a very talented Italian professional artist. She worked with Blake at school for the past four years and he time. Blake says; I think she took a spe cial interest in me because I always worked in silence and took art very seriously. She was amazed and worked one on one with me in free time during lunch break. Ms. Heffner was, in fact, so impressed with Blakes dedication and the standard of his work that she invited him to Italy to study with her. Blakes mother was concerned about her young son travelling so far but he did not want to give up on this excellent op portunity so on July 2, 2012 he headed off on a wonderful adventure to Italy. He re mained there for a period of six months, returning on January 6, 2013. Mrs. Hef fners home is in Villa St. Giovanni, a small village about one and a half hours Please see Artist Page 21

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section A Page 17 Marble and Granite counter tops, showers and oors installed Made in Marsh Harbour Call 367-6867 or 367-4726 View installations on our web site:abacomarbleandgranite.com Business Trudys Bakery and SnacksBy Vernique Russell Now open in the community of Coo pers Town is Trudys Bakery and Snacks. Offering a variety of native dishes and her famous pizza and pastries served hot from her bakery. Trudys is located across the road from the McIntosh Plaza that hosts The operating hours are Monday to Saturday from 7am until. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner along with a wide variety of snacks. The owner, Trudy Bullard, is no stranger to the food industry as she has worked for many years at the Spanish Cay Resort and in Nassau at a major resort. The owner and staff are inviting you to stop by today and sample one of their amazing menu choices. For further information interested persons can contact 365-0195. Natashas Offers Unique ServicesBy Samantha Evans Natasha Paul recently moved her business to #4 Poppy Lane were she of fers a wide range of unique services such as English speaking classes for the Cre ole speaking community. She began Creole speaking classes for the teachers and staff of Central Abaco Primary School last school year which they will resume in September. Paul stated that this summer she decided to offer her usual academic classes for students from Grades 1 to 8 but included classes to teach Creole speaking children to speak English. In September, she will be extending her Creole classes to the general public with special group rates being offered to corporate businesses, schools, and churches. Classes can be held at their business establishment or at her center. Classes will be held at her center from 5-7pm Monday to Saturday. The summer program is being offered Monday to Friday 9am to 12 noon. Begin ning in August the center will be open ev ery day except Sunday. She will also be selling educational books, games, and toys at her center which will be in just in time for Back-to-School. She has requests for numerous other services some of which will be added in the near future. Persons interested in learning more about the services she will be pro viding can contact her at 367-6285 or 4585115. Her center is open 9am to 7pm. Chakas Take-A-WayBy Samantha Evans Chakas Take-A-Way opened at the end of May 2013 on Granville Davis Place in Murphy Town. Owner, Chaka Blatch, started out in the take-a-way business on Hope Town at Munchies then worked for a short while in the straw industry but she quickly realized that her passion was for cooking. This is when she decided to open breakfast then decided to focus on lunch and dinner only. She serves mainly native dishes, burgers and snacks along with Gua va Duff, ice cream and cakes. She plans to add more Bahamian desserts to the menu soon. She noted that her most sought after dish is the crack conch which is totally delicious. Since she has been open, the feedback has been great especially at night time. In the coming months, she plans to revisit the breakfast menu because persons have been asking for it. She is open Mon day to Thursday 11am to 10 pm and Fri days and Saturdays 11 am to midnight. They can be reached by calling 6992086. Entrepreneur WatchEntrepreneur Watch is a feature The Abaconian publishes because we believe in supporting entrepreneurs and community business. If you know of an entrepreneur just setting out in their business please com or 367-3200. If you are an established business and would like to sponsor the Entrepreneur Watch we would love to hear from you as well. Dive Abaco Established in 1978By Mirella Santillo Often businesses open and soon close because of the wrong location, unsupportive economy or the destructive results of a hurricane, among other reasons. Quite a few businesses though, manage to ride the roller-coaster of the challenges thrown at them. Dive Abaco, a tourist oriented operation, has been in business for 35 years, and is still going stronger than ever, in spite of a sluggish economy. Created in 1978 by a US Navy diver, the late Logan Skeet Lachance, Dive Abaco, located on the premises of the Conch Inn, had served the needs of scuba divers for 13 years. Its present owner, Mr. Keith Rogers, bought the business from Mr. Lachance in 1991. Mr. Rogers, at the time President of the Ajax Scuba Club, in Ajax, Ontario, was on a diving trip in Marsh Harbour in 1990 when he found out that Dive Abaco was for sale. Tempted by the great weather and the beauty of the sea, he made his offer. For 22 years, Mr. Rogers has catered to tourists coming to Abaco in search of sea adventures, be it by taking experienced divers to his favorite dive sites, island hop ping, underwater photography, snorkeling, or training and certifying new recruits to the sport. As successful as it is, Dive Abaco had to face quite a few challenges over the years, starting with the ups and down of the local economy, the lack of skilled personnel and the destruction of three major hurricanes. In 1999, Keith Rogers lost his boat to Hurricane Floyd and it took over two years for the insurance to settle the cost of the boat. In 2004, the shop that was then located at the edge of the water was com pletely destroyed by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. It was closed for six months and subsequently relocated near the Conch Inn parking lot. Over the years, the new owner ex panded the inventory of the shop, adding souvenirs and gift items made locally to a full array of diving equipment for rent. Mr. Rogers, who is the diving inranging from diving to island tours, pri vate boat charters or sunset cruises. For a few years, Melinda Rogers, a resident of Florida, has served as eminence grise to the business, taking care of the marketing by organizing hotel packages and control ling the shop inventory. The business has a website and reservations can be made locally at 242 367 2787 or internationally at 800 247 5338.New FeatureCornerstones of Abaco BusinessA look at businesses that have stuck By Canishka Alexander Offering a crewed luxury yacht charter aboard Scott Free, Nicholas and Kim Scott summon guests to a luxurious and elegant vacation on the high seas. The 120foot luxury mega yacht is piloted by two Bahamians Captain Perry L. Thomas and First Mate Anwar Moss, who are from Marsh Harbour and Green Turtle Cay, respectively. The Scott Free crew also includes: Arisna Meyer and Chantell Maasz, as stewardesses, and Chef Demeko Saunders of Trio Culinary. We have local knowledge, and well treat them extra nice, Capt. Thomas boasted. Mr. Scott proudly stated that his team of Abaconians, has reached the pinnacle of yachting. From its home port in Erie, Pennsylvania, Scott Free has sailed from the Great Lakes along the East Coast to St. Lawrence, Nova Scotia. The Scotts travels include a memorable stop aboard Scott Free in the Mediterranean where they spent four months. That was real heaven, going from country to country and experiencing the culture changes, Mr. Scott reminisced. Ive been boating for 50 years. Scott Free stands out for him, though, because it is the largest yacht he has owned in his lifetime, and perhaps the most luxu rious with a lower stateroom deck, main deck and entertainment deck. Valued at just under $10 million and an additional $1 million to maintain, Scott Free was built coast engineering and design. eral unique features, namely a large aft swim deck and an entertainment deck that has a built-in moveable roof, a 60-inch retractable television with Blu-ray DVD player and sound system, barbecue grill, Costing an additional $1 million to install, the swim deck was designed with underwater lights, and has a built-in hydraulic platform with stairs that unfold and extend into the water giving convenient ac cess for swimming, snorkeling, diving or docking watercraft. The luxury yacht also and a 27-foot Boston Whaler with twin 225 HP outboards for exploration. Thats just the exterior. Scott Free has four places for dining that can seat up to eight people in its exteri or and interior. Three guest staterooms and a full beam master stateroom brings added and CD players, an iPod docking station and private en-suite bathrooms. The main difference is that the master bathroom has a whirlpool tub, shower, dual sinks and his and her heads. Eye-catching artwork from Israel and photography are in abundance throughout the yacht, and a vibrant photo gallery links the master bedroom to one of the guest staterooms. In the main salon, Jimmy the marionette butler lounged near a duplicate of the Flagship Niagara, and directly across from a seating area with baby grand elec tronic piano. Here is where guests can for-Team of Abaconians help crew 120 foot mega yachtPlease see Yacht Page 18

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Page 18 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 The Moorings Yacht ChartersThe Best Sailing Vacations In The World! Prestige Class The Conch Inn Resort Curly Tails The Conch Inn Resort and Marina Come and experience the beauty of the Bahamas. We are waiting for you. The Conch Inn Marina Compliments of The Moorings and The Conch Inn Hotel and Marina Tide North Bar Channel August 2013 34 ft. mono-hull or 37 or 45 ft. Catamaran Cruise the Abaco Sound in one of our new power boatsPet Permits SuggestionDear Editor; I would like to offer a suggestion to the Bahamas Department of Agriculture regarding the issuing of pet permits. The than it needs to be. I believe that a majority of people requesting permits to bring their pets to Abaco are second home owners and cruisers who spend weeks or months in the Bahamas. People who choose to, or must travel with their pets are people who take very good care of their animals. I completely agree with the policy to have vet checks and immunization records for all pets brought into the country, each visit. That makes good sense. However I do not understand why you must apply for a permit and then have to wait 48 hours to pick up the permit. For those of us in the cays this is a hardship which is unnec essary. We have to travel back across to to the boat to come back across TWICE. It Open letter for the Bahamian GovernmentDear Editor; I have heard from contacts on Face book that Government has increased the is exasperating to say the least. Why not consider issuing a yearly permit per pet such as is issued for a boat? This one year permit would be purchased for say $50 which would allow the pet own ers to bring their pet in once or multiple times each year, then could be renewed. needed also for each visit. The cruisers and second home own ers love and appreciate their Bahamian paradise and add value to the economy. Myself and many others would like to see this process of pet permitting improve to a satisfaction of all. I hope the government will be open minded to a new approach. Thank you. Stephanie AllenLetters to the Editor fees for boaters entering Bahamian waters as of July 1st. Has the government gone raving mad? Have they talked to the businesses on Green Turtle Cay how they feel about increasing fees for boaters? I think not. It would seem that the Government has the same mind set as some businesses when things are slow and that is Lets stick it to the people that do show up on our shores. Not very smart I think. Instead they should be lowering fees not increas ing them. And while I am on a rant, how about the Government subsidize a couple of Air lines to make the cost of getting to the Bahamas cheaper and the Airlines stay in business for more than a couple of years. Lower fees, don't increase them or you would not have any tourists at all. Andy Nixon Editors Note: The increased cruising permit has been Delayed Pending Consulta tion with Marina Operators. mally dine beneath the glistening Murano glass chandelier from Italy, or around the bend at the Country kitchen that accommo dates eight to 10 guests. Upstairs in the Pilot House, Capt. Thomas pointed out that there was two of radio) with the exception of four GPS navigation systems. Scott Free has its own compressor, and has two water makers that produce 1,000 gallons of fresh water a day. The boat is here for the disposal of the owners, but it is also for charter guests, Mr. Scott said. It is available for day charters or a trip to Eleuthera or Nassau. Its not inexpensive, but neither is the program; its the ultimate luxury motor yacht. Mr. Scott said that because of the expense of maintaining the luxury yacht, they seek to defray costs through charters. Although Mr. Scott had visited Abaco before, meeting Capt. Perry Thomas and hearing about the economic situation on the island peaked his interest. The Scotts and their crew have been on Abaco now for four months, and will be in The Bahamas until Aug.17. For more information on charters aboard Scott Free, contact Jeff Shaffer at (954)551-1329 or 1(954)524-7978 or call Capt. Perry Thomas at1(242)577-0553. Yacht From Page 17

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Page 20 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 Bimini Blue Coalition Teams Up with Save The Bays in the Struggle to Protect Waters, Create 'Sensible, sustainable tourism' Press Release Save The Bays -the fast-growing organisation that is moving toward what appears to be a national environmental al liance -announced today it has gained yet marine environment of The Bahamas. The Bimini Blue Coalition, formed in January Biminis reefs, beaches and waters, said today it is partnering with Save The Bays to ramp up its community outreach and en hance efforts as the organisations pursue similar goals. "We are thrilled and honoured to part ner with the Save The Bays team, and to gether we hope to protect and promote the famous reefs, beaches, and waters around our precious little Islands in the Stream,'" said the Coalition that has already garnered over 1,500 signatures to stop construction of a cruise ship terminal. "Over the long term, the goals of the Bimini Blue Coali tion for Bimini essentially echo the goals of the Save The Bays team throughout The Bahamas. We're trying to promote sensi ble, sustainable use of our island's natural resources. Fred Smith, QC, a director of Save The Bays, believes the collaboration will prove fruitful with both organizations demonstrating passion in pushing for the pres ervation of marine resources. As Save The Bays continues to grow as an organisation and expand its mission to protect waters throughout The Bahamas, it is essential that we form strategic part nerships capable of extending our reach into already existing communities of active conservationists," said Smith. "We were happy to partner with Bimini Blue Coali tion given the level of dedication they have demonstrated in promoting the cause to protect Biminis natural habitat. The sym biotic relationship that we have formed jectives. According to Smith, Save The Bays -established in March 2013 and forming partnerships with dramatic speed -appears to be giving rise to a National Environmental Alliance. "This is exciting and bodes well for our treasured environment," he said. The latest partner, Bimini Blue Coali tion, is made up of Bimini residents, home owners, community leaders and visitors working together to keep Biminis waters the bluest in The Bahamas. Its mission involves the promotion and creation of a sustainable future for the islands of Bimini, including the development of an ecologi cally-responsible tourism industry. Most recently, Bimini Blue Coalition's efforts have focused on a petition drive that has garnered over 1,500 signatures in just over two weeks to stop the creation of a cruise ship terminal on North Bimini. The terminal is part of a $100 million investment by the Malaysia-based Genting conglomerate. Genting was recently denied permission to tear down the waterfront Miami Herald building in Miami to build a National News mega resort and casino. It has now turned its attention to Bimini just off the Miami coast where it opened a casino on June 28 and plans to complete construction of the 1,000 foot cruise ship dock and dredge to create a man-made island. While the cruise ship terminal is estimated to attract up to 3,000 visitors a day to the shores of North Bimini, petition signers say that it will destroy what has been called "a mas sive concentration of precious coral reefs, permanently changing the islands most important asset -its waters. "This is a blasphemy and is completely disproportionate," said Smith. "Once again, as with Baker's Bay in Guana Cay, environment on the altar of the almighty dollar." The partnership between the organizations is initially aimed at address ing two key issues facing the islands of Bimini, the proposed cruise ship terminal that would heavily impact the reefs, and plementation of the North Bimini Marine Reserve. Teen-led international study reveals how stray potcake dogs behave as petsPress Release Stray potcake dogs from the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos have become popular as pets in recent years, and now a teen-led study spanning four countries provides insight into how these dogs behave once they are off the streets and living in homes. Initial reviews say the study is, informative, interesting and entertain ing," "spot on," and "a must read!" Founded by Veronica Sondervan of Atlanta, Georgia in December 2011 when she was only 14, the Potcake Evaluation and Research Study, or Potcake EARS, has just released the initial results of its on going research at www.potcakeears.com. Owners of nearly 400 potcakes living in 28 inces in Canada, and several islands in the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos have participated so far, revealing that potcakes share numerous common behavioral traits despite living with all types of families and in a variety of climates. Potcakes are descended from a gene pool that was isolated on the islands for hundreds of years, and in the Bahamas with their image appearing on stamps and souvenirs. They get their name from the scraps caked to the bottom of the pot that islanders historically fed the strays. Pot cakes are often in the news, with Delta's Sky magazine even featuring one on its cover; potcake LeRoy Brown, owned by musician Lenny Kravitz. The research shows that most potcakes are highly intelligent and quickly housetrained, with many eager to learn tricks. The dogs are very active and en joy running and playing with a variety of toys, and are loyal and protective. Many potcakes also exhibit the "potcake smile" showing their upper teeth as a friendly greeting, and they "talk" with a variety of vocalizations to express different things. In addition to describing behavior, the Pot cake EARS website includes a gallery of photos and an overview of common health issues. Sondervan is a student at North Springs Charter High School, a magnet school for science and the arts previously attended by celebrities Usher and RavenSymone. She was inspired to start Potcake EARS after volunteering two years with Royal Potcake Rescue. Her research has already won her a top Emerging Scientist award at her school, in addition to county and state science fair awards, and was fea tured in Abaco Life magazine. Sondervan plans to conduct a follow-up genetic study of the potcakes once funding is available. Separate commission needed to determine citizenship rulesGender neutrality critical according to Constitutional CommissionBy Krystel Rolle The Constitutional Commission failed to reach a decision regarding wheth er children born in The Bahamas to foreign parents should be granted automatic citi zenship, but it has recommended that the constitution be amended to remove genderbased discrimination. While the commission recommends the elimination of discrimination based on sex, Commission Chairman Sean McWeeney made it clear that the group is not recommending that same sex marriages be legalized. He said save for the issues of the death penalty and the Privy Council, no other topic demanded greater interest or came under greater scrutiny than that of citizenship. In relation to children neither of whose parents are Bahamian and this af fects a great many of people in this country weve taken the view that this is an is sue of extraordinary complexity and this is the one area in which a specialized, highly focused commission is required, said Mc Weeney during his presentation of the report at a ceremony at the British Colonial Hilton hotel yesterday. And the recommendation in the report is for the formation of this commis sion to give focused study to how these persons should be treated. It is a matter which requires the highest priority to be given to the government. And indeed as we say in the report that the future peace and internal harmony of the Bahamian society may well depend upon it. However, we wish to make it clear that we do not recommend automatic citizenship by reason only of birth on Baha mian soil. In its report, the commission noted the "enormous psychological, socio-eco nomic and other ill effects that result from having stateless people. "Not only are the affected individu als badly damaged and marginalized, the entire society is put at risk and its future compromised by having within its borders a substantial body of persons who, al though having no knowledge or experience of any other society, are made to feel that they are intruders without any claim, moral or legal, for inclusion. Such feelings of alienation and rejection are bound to translate into antisocial behavior among many members of what is in effect a very large underclass in our society," the report said. Asked why the commission decided to recommend the establishment of another commission, McWeeney told reporters that there was no unanimity on the issue. "Because the views are so deeply held on all sides, I think its important that we take a step back and give specialized study to this particular issue," he said following the ceremony. "I think it would have been foolhardy of us to think that we could come up with been festering for such a long time. However, while the commission did that issue, the commission has made sev eral recommendations regarding the issue of citizenship. "Let me say right off the bat that it all provisions relating to the acquisition of citizenship and transmission of citizenship to children or spouses should be cast in gender neutral language to provide for the equal distribution of the right of citizenship and to remove any discrimination against women in this and any other regard, Mc Weeney said. The commission also recommends that the clause which discriminates against men be amended. McWeeney noted that in the case of illegitimate children, citizenship is only traced through the mother. The commis sion recommends that the father also be given the right to transfer citizenship to his children once paternity is established. In total, the commission made 73 rec ommendations, but McWeeney said only about 30 represent issues that would re quire actual constitutional changes. Prime Minister Perry Christie has foreshadowed a constitutional referendum for November.

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section A Page 21 GROUP LTD CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING ESTATE SERVICES DEVELOPMENT & CONSTRUCTIONPlanning, Management, Execution of all Stages of Residental, Commercial, Infrastructure or Renovation ProjectsENGINEERING DESIGN & CONSULTINGStructual & Civil Engineering Licensed Professional EngineerESTATE SERVICESProperty Management & MaintenanceAbaco Shopping Center, P.O.Box AB 20200 Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas jnicksims@gmail.comnick sims PRESIDENT & ENGINEER 242-577-7467 Tel/Fax: 242-367-sims BETTER BUILDING SOLUTIONS from Rome surrounded by farms and beautiful landscapes. I loved everything about the place; I made wonderful friends, the food was great and the environment was peaceful. I dream of returning one day, declares Blake. Blake was very impressed with the artwork of Mrs. Heffner; She does everything and taught me guidelines for measur ing, texture and volume and gave me all the tools I need. I worked hard every day except Saturday and Sunday. She made me struggle telling me that being a good artist does not come easy; you have to earn it. We travelled a lot and I painted a lot of landscapes. In return for Mrs. Heffners kindness Blake helped her and her husband renovate their house. Since his return from Italy Blake has been selling his paintings to pay off the school for his trip and he does commis sions for people. He really enjoys painting and humans are his favourite subject, both pecially loved eyes he says. His favourite mediums are oil and acrylic. Having returned from his internation al learning experience and graduated from school on June 10 he asks himself; Now Artist From Page 16 Artist Highlight what? I have the tools; what do I do? Blake would love to obtain a scholarship to study for a degree in art or in graphic or landscape design. I am trying to get somewhere as an artist. I know it will take a lot to get where I want to be but I will keep on going, he staunchly declares. He would love one day to have his own stu dio in which to paint and do commissions whether it be painting portraits, furniture decoration or signs. Anything to do with ented and very personable young man.The Abaconian reminds its readers: Support the Arts! Left: Blake Russell with his sketches.

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Page 22 Section A The Abaconian July 15, 2013 en-GBere & Back.....Againen-GBEFFECTIVE: JULY 2012en-GBPh: 242-367-0290 Fax: 242-367-0291 en-GBREGULAR FERRY SCHEDULEen-GB Marsh Harbour to Hope Townen-GB20 minute rideen-GB7:15am / 9:00am / 10:30am /12:15pm 2:00pmen-GB 4:00pm / 5:45pmen-GBHope Town to Marsh Harbouren-GB8:00am / 9:45am / 11:30am /1:30pm 3:00pmen-GB 4:00pm / 5:00pm / 6:30pmen-GBMarsh Harbour to Man-O-Waren-GB20 minute rideen-GB7:15 / 10:30am / 12:15pm / 2:30pm* en-GB 4:00pm / 5:45pmen-GB *Except Sundays and Holidaysen-GBMan-O-War to Marsh Harbour en-GB8:00am / 11:30am / 1:30pm /3:15pm* / 5:00pmen-GB *Except Sundays and Holidaysen-GBMarsh Harbour to Scotland/Guana Cayen-GB30 minute rideen-GB6:45am / 10:30am / 1:30pm /3:30pm 5:45pmen-GBScotland/Guana Cay to Marsh Harbouren-GB8:am / 11:30am / 2:30pm / 4:45pm / 6:30pmen-GBAny stops outside the main harbour will be aen-GB minimum charge of two persons. Two persons or overen-GB will remain at regular charge.en-GBDuring the month of August through December there en-GB are some adjustments made to the schedule.en-GB You are advised to contact the oce for any changes.en-GBREGULAR FERRY FARESen-GBOne Way: $17.00en-GB Round Trip Open Return: $27.00en-GB Children 6-11: Half Priceen-GB Children 5 and under: Freeen-GB Hope Town and Man-O-War ferries depart fromen-GB the Ferry Dock at Crossing Beach. en-GB Guana /Scotland Cay depart from the Conch Inn.en-GB Prices subject to change without notice.en-GBAlburys Ferry ServiceHonesty and Quality You Can Count OnBrandon ompson242-357-6532 Dock ConstructionResidential and Commercial Customized to suit your lifestyleBoat LiftsSales and Service Quality boat lift dealer for 10 yearsAnd Much More...Offering unsurpassed attention to detail with almost two decades of hands on experienceContact us today! www.lbtmarine.com bthompson@lbtmarine.com Cell: 242-357-6532 Ph/Fax: 242-367-2704 Area Code 242 unless listed otherwise Island-wide Abaco ListingsAbaco Cottage 114 hse 366-0576 Abaco Vacation Planner + 25 hse 367-3529Casuarina PointSea Grape/Coco Plum 2 Units 367-2107Cherokee Lee Pinder 3 hse 366-2053 Marina Albury Cottages 5 cottages 366-2075 Grand Cay Rosies Place 352-5458 Green Turtle Cay Barefoot Homes 14 hse 577-4092 Bluff House Club 12 units 365-4200 Cocobay Cottages 6 cott 800-752-0166 Green Turtle Club 35 rm 365-4271 Island Properties 34 hse 365-4047 New Plymouth Inn 9 rm 365-4161 Ocean Blue Properties 34 hse 365-4636 Other Shore Club 365-4226 Roberts Cottages 3 cott 365-4105 Guana Cay Dive Guana 11 hse 365-5178 Dolphin Bch Resort 4 rm 10 cott. 365-5137 Guana Sunset Beach 13 units 365-5133 Ocean Frontier 6 cott 519-389-4846 Wards Landing 4 units 904-982-2762 Ruth Sands 9 hse 365-5140 Hope Town Abaco Inn 22 rm 366-0133 Crystal Villas 5 villas 321-452-0164 Elbow Cay Prop 53 hse 366-0035 Hope T Harb Lodge 25 rm 366 0095 Hope T Hideaways 63 hse 366-0224 Hope Town Inn 6 rm 4 Villas 3 Suites 366-0003 Hope T Villas 3 hse 366-0266 Hope Town..cont Lighthouse Rentals 4 cott 366-0154 Sea Gull Cottages 4 hse 366-0266 Sea Spray Resort 6 villas 366-0065 Tanny Key 43 hse 366-0053 Turtle Hill 4 villas 366-0557 Lubbers Quarters Cay Lubbers Landing 4 villas 577-2000 Man-O-War Island Home Rentals 2 hse 365-6048 Waterway Rentals 14 hse 365-6143 Marsh Harbour area Abaco Beach Resort 82 rms 3 67-2158 Abaco Real Estate 6 hse 3 67-2719 Abaco Towns 16 apts 3 67-0148 Ambassador Inn 6 rms 3 67-2022 Conch Inn 9 rms 3 67-4000 Living Easy 16 hse 3 67-2202 Island Breezes Motel 8 rms 3 67-3776 Lofty Fig Villas 6 eff 3 67-2681 Pelican Beach Villas 6 cott 3 67-3600 Regattas 32 apts 5 77-6764 HG Christie 11 hse 3 67-4151 Sandy Point Oeishas Resort 3 66-4139 Pete & Gays Resort 14 rm 3 66-4119 Spanish Cay Spanish Cay Resort 18 rm 6 hse 3 65-0083 Treasure Cay Abaco Estate Services Mult hse 3 65-8752 Bahama Beach Club 88 units 3 65-8500 Brigantine Bay Villas 5 units 877-786-8455 Treasure Cay Resort 95 rms 3 65-8801 Turtle Rock Villas at Palmetto Beach 3 villas 262-820-1900 Hotels and House Rental Agents Web Sites with Abaco Information www.abaconian.com www.abacoinet.com www.abacocottage.com www.abacos.com www.oii.net www.bahamas.com Rev. July 2013 Dr. Ron Archer offers remedies to overcome lifes storms By Canishka Alexander Guest speaker Dr. Ron Archer, pres ently the pastor of the Green Turtle Com munity Fellowship Church, attended Dr. David Allens session at the Christian Counselling Center on June 21 speaking on the topic: "How to turn Pain into Power; Wounds into Wisdom; Scars into Stars; Stumbling Blocks into Stepping Stones; Failure into Fortune; Tragedy into Triumph; and Misery into Ministry. Dr. Archer is the founder of The Dunamis Institute, and has travelled all over the world as a dynamic speaker, best-sell ing author, international business strategist and leadership consultant. In a ministerial career that spans 20 years, Dr. Archer is presently pastor of the Chapel of the Palm Beaches and Bishop of over 25 churches. He is passionate about helping young people develop into success ful individuals. During his session that day, Dr. Ar cher recounted the story of the Wizard of Oz. He recognized that Dorothy listened to the little people signifying that in this life we can learn from anyone. Additionally, she and her companions became unstop pable when they worked together. None of us can be greater or smarter found phrases. Even with God, he noted, every thing is about relationship. His next point concerned storms that people endure namely prosecution and persecution. The sonable Minds. Prosecution, he said, is reaping what we have sown, whereas persecution is when you are doing all that you are supCentral & All Abaco posed to do, yet you still experience hard times. There are remedies for both circum stances, so all is not lost. With prosecution, the remedies are humility, forgive ness, prayer and seeking the face of God. Too many people are seeking Gods hands instead of His face, he pointed out. When we dont get what we want, then we become angry with God. Dr. Archer said that God gets our at tention by making the rain stop. How ever, peoples hearts are so hard that they the earthly treasures they have stored up. Next, He sends the locusts the car breaks down, the roof is leaking, someone goes to jail so that everything you think you have will be taken away. If He still doesnt get our attention, He will send pestilence; everyone starts getting sick around us. He added that if God cannot draw us through love, He will drive us through pain. The prescription calls for us to hum ble ourselves and to forgive, then we can pray. PRAYER stands for: Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield, Expect and Rejoice. Still, Dr. Archer said that God answers prayer in four ways; He says no, then grow, then On the point of forgiveness, Dr. Ar cher said that people are not being blessed because of issues with unforgiveness. While they believe that unforgiveness will kill their enemies, it is like a poison they are taking into their bodies, and it is slowly killing them. You have to look beyond the source, and look at whats behind it, and now you start to do battle, Dr. Archer assured. I could not forgive until I real ized [that I needed to] stop looking at them as human beings, but as children of God who need restoration, who need love and need to be forgiven. Forgiveness is not for them; forgiveness is for me. Are you tired of missing your bless ing? Are you tired of being in the desert? Are you tired of being sick and tired, of holding on to your pain, and your anger Above: Dr. Ron Archer speaking at a re cent session at the Christian Counselling Center. and your vengeance, and wondering why youre not being heard? The No. 1 reason why people are suffering and still in pain is because they cant let go. tion, he said the the Bible still calls those who are persecuted blessed. Persecution is a compliment; it means you got game, Dr. Archer declared. Everybody in this room is like a teabag you dont know how strong you are until God puts you in some hot water, and whats on the inside of you will come out in the storm. He isnt trying to kill you; Hes trying to liberate you to show whats inside of you. Thats how we overcome and turn pain into power it starts in the mind. Dr. Archer left the attendees with the power: head; heart; hands; habits; and humanity. The head simply means that we must change our way of thinking. The heart deals with forgiveness. Using our hands, God wants us to serve from where weve been hurt. Together, those four Hs, change humanity. When your humanity is changed, you then can change your habitat, Dr. Archer concluded.

July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section B Page 1 VOLUME 21 NUMBER 14 July 15th, 2013 Man-O-War School earns International Green Flag Award By Katie Sands, President of M.O.W. Primary School-Eco Committee It all started out by Man-O-War Pri mary Schools teachers introducing the idea of Eco-Schools Bahamas and the Green Flag. The students all thought it was a great idea to do our part to take better care of our environment. Throughout the year the entire school worked together to become an Eco-School. Looking back, President of the Schools Eco-Committee said it is really special to recognize that each student was dedicated to this goal. Some of the activities that went into this prestigious award: throughout the settlement. Please see Flag Page 6 Above: Donation from Furniture Plus' Charity of Hope Foundation. Island Waves Cultural Centre was selected as the foundation's 2012 choice. On July 2, Leanne Russell presented the cheque to Garnell Limperes Dawkins, the founder. (L to R) Kendra Jordan-Wright, Don Wood, Roneld Escarment (peer leader), Rolgeinson Estumon, Garnell Limperes Dawkins and Leanne Russell. For the story see page 2.Island Waves receives donation, plans for summer campAbove: Nancy Albury, foreground right, presents the students of Man-O-War Primary School with the International Green Flag Award on behalf of the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF).

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Page 2 Section B The Abaconian July 15, 2013 ABACO REAL EST School & Youth News By Canishka Alexander As founder of the Island Waves Cul tural Centre, Garnell Limperes Dawkins believes in hard work and giving back to the community. On July 2, she was re warded for her efforts. Leanne Russell and Kendra JordanWright of Furniture Plus presented her with a cheque in the amount of $3,250 to assist her with her work at the center. Last year, Island Waves was selected by Furniture Plus Charity of Hope Foundation, charitable causes. According to the companys Web site, Charity of Hope was launched in 2005 as a charity arm of Furniture Plus to nur ture the spirit of giving. During the compa nys annual Christmas campaigns, Russell said that Candles of Hope and Angels of Hope donation tree tags are sold in the stores. Furniture Plus then matches the proceeds and makes a donation to local charities at Christmas. Island Waves was our charity of choice this year, and I was very passion ate about it being our charity because of Im very happy that Mrs. [Krystynia Lee] d'Arville was in agreement when I pitched the idea to her. She fully backed the vi sion that Garnell has for giving back to the community through outreach and the pro grams she offers to not only kids, but to people of all ages. Russell added that Furniture Plus was pleased that TJay Stubbs and contestants of the Miss Abaco Pageant became involved. During the launch of the companys Christ mas Campaign, the contestants sold angels as part of their beauty challenge, and to It was really a coming together of different organizations, which made it better because it was more community orient ed. The Miss Abaco Pageant raised more than $1,200 of the money. Meanwhile, Garnell commented that she was humbled and honoured by the donation. Im extremely honoured to accept this cheque to know that so many people see the vision and believe in what were year just getting the ball rolling, but from here on out, I think that theres a lot of lives that can be changed of all ages. Im very humbled, and I feel very blessed right now. I cant wait to outreach to the community. Im just really excited because now we can actually start putting in motion everything we spent the last year building the foundation. So this is just the beginning, and hopefully it raises aware ness. The funds were delivered in good time, too, because Garnell plans to of fer a Creative Arts Summer Camp at no years old. The mission of the camp is to empower young people through creative arts and self-expression, while cultivating the Bahamian culture within our youth and communities. Camp will be held from July 15-19 in Marsh Harbour at the Island Waves Cul tural Centre; the second camp will be offered to Treasure Cay from July 29 to one takes place from Aug.12-16 in Sandy Point at James A. Pinder Primary School. All camps run the duration of one week and take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, contact Garnell Limperes at the Island Waves Cultural Centre at: www.islandwavesconnection. blogspot.com; e-mail: islandwaves.c4@ gmail.com; or phone contact: (242)3670142.Furniture Plus presents Island Waves founder with donation Myriad Minds exposes youth to wonders of Abaco this summerBy Samantha Evans Abaco Myriad Community Center is hosting a unique summer camp-The Myri ad Fun Zone-for Abaco youth where they expose youth to the many facets of Abaco that makes it unique. While other summer camps offer traditional places for kids to stay while moms and dads are at work, this community center engages their students in wholesome fun activities to keep their minds well-oiled so that when school reopens in September their brain will be sharp. Every week, the children engage in crafts, agriculture, sports, dance, aero bics, cooking, sewing and hygiene classes among others. According to Bekera Taylor, owner and facilitator, on Fridays, the more about Abaco and learn new skills. Schooner Bay, blue holes at Sandy Point, er was also on hand to offer free math and English tutoring to students. Myriad Com munity Center is now located on Poppy The summer camp runs July 1 to Au gust 16 from 8am to 5:30pm. They can be reached by calling 458-6314.

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section B Page 3 HG Christie

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Page 4 Section B The Abaconian July 15, 2013 School & Youth News By Mirella Santillo During a long, but exciting, ceremony held in front of a full audience, the graduates of Abaco Central High School, class of 2013, were recognized for their achievements during the school year. On the morning of June 18, 51 gradu ates belonging to the largest public high school on the island, perfectly dressed in their school uniforms, made a solemn enMinistries to claim their seats in front of the stage. The ceremony unrolled according to the usual graduation ceremony protocol welcome address by the Salutatorian, Payton Stubbs. She bid goodbye to her class mates with a few words of recommenda must always follow your instincts. Be true to what you are, be your own person. She told her parents that, a thank you will During his address, the Principal, Ricardo Ferguson, highlighted what was achieved during the school year since he 51 students graduated from Abaco Central High SchoolEthelyn McIntosh, and a crew of 48 teach ers, many goals were attained in the aca He recognized that many students performed at their best, placing among the top three in spelling, mathematics and arts in various competitions, not only locally, but nationally. He acknowledged the graduates who had been accepted to colleges on scholar mi Scott who will be going to Howard Uni versity to study mechanical engineering, Alcindor McIntosh who will study marine biology and Payton Stubbs who will at tend the College of The Bahamas to study biochemistry, with the goal of becoming a doctor. He also mentioned the sports ac complishments of several students. Moreover, he thanked the business community for the support given to the school in the form of equipment donations, and reiterated the challenge he had under taken at the beginning of the school year in erasing the bad reputation of the school regarding discipline, saying that he has made progress. Some of his goals for next year will be to bring the school to new heights, by introducing career apprenticeship and skill training. Classes such as cosmetology, crafts, baking and carpentry will be of fered. He reminded the parents of the im portance of their interaction with their children and the school. Congratulating the graduates, he left them with the following quote: Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice. The graduates showed their apprecia tion for their parents and their teachers by After an impressive introduction by the Deputy Head Girl and Head Boy, the guest speaker Ethelyn McIntosh took the stage to deliver an energetic and powerful speech. With the graduation theme, Makmeaning of, dream, as a strong desire or purpose that to some people may seem im possible to achieve. But with determination and passion, any dream becomes possible, she said, citing the example of freedom odds managed to reach her goals. She urged the graduates to face the past without regrets and to keep faith. She left them with the following quote: May you soar like an eagle and may your dreams become reality. Following a musical performance by torian, Olujimi Scott, to address his fellow classmates, advising them to, set goals that are easy to accomplish. He remi nisced about the highlights and the down sides of the past school year, addressing each of his teachers with anecdotes. He thanked his friends for being at his side and his parents, his aunt and his teachers for their support. Before the distribution of the awards and trophies, the Head Boy and the Head Girl of 2012-13, Olujimi Scott and Payton Stubbs passed the torch to the Head Boy and Head Girl of 2013-14, Conrad Cornish and Jessica Pierre, during a brief but sol emn ceremony. Each student was then called to the stage while their respective achievements were enumerated. A special placque was handed out by the Principal to the student who was the most overall improved, Cloder Saint Fleur. In an emotional confession that brought tears to his eyes as well as to the eyes of many in the audience, he recognized that when he entered Grade Seven, he had been a rude person. But thanks to the support and recognition of his teach ers, he was able to recognize what he was capable of and achieve it. Grade 12 teachers were also recog nized with a placque, including Laverne Cooper and Philippa Farrington, two for mer teachers who had left the school for the Principal and the guidance counselor, Kimberley Rahming. Dr. Lenora Black came to the stage, stating that she had to personally recognize the gifts of the graduates who had realized that hard work was the order of the day. Announcing that 76% of the graduating class of 2013 had achieved a 2.0 GPA or higher, she acknowledged the Principal's success and let it be known that some of the graduates had given up their Saturdays as well as their Easter Holiday to take extra classes. More gift exchanges and photos of the graduates with parents and teachers ended the ceremony.The Abaconian congratulates all graduates of 2013. We wish you success in all your future endeavors.

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section B Page 5 Man-O-War HardwareNon-Corrosive HardwareAn Extensive Selection of Brass, Stainless & MonelBolts, Nails & Screws Hinges & Barrel BoltsStainless Steel Hurricane Clips#1 LumberPlain & Pressure TreatedPine, Fir, Cypress Teak & MahoganyInterior, Exterior & MarinePLYWOOD For quotes or information Call Walter Sweeting l Arthur Elden Man-O-War Cay, Abaco, BahamasPh: (242) 365-6011 l Fax (242) 365-6039 Aisha Jones crowned Miss Teen Bahamas Galaxy 2013 By Canishka Alexander Aisha Jones was crowned Miss Teen Bahamas Galaxy 2013 at the Whyndam the competition was stiff from the onset, and that she had not placed in the Miss Abaco Pageant, she was hesitant about en tering the Bahamas Galaxy Pageant. invitation to join the Bahamas Galaxy Pageant System, and ended up falling in love with the pageant. The competition initially started with four girls in the 14 to 18-yearold Teen Division, but two girls dropped out. Because there were only two of them remaining, the Miss and Teen divisions were combined to create a senior division. This meant that the adolescent contestants competed with women between the ages of 19 to 28 years old. Two weeks before the pageant, there was allocated for categories based on the judges' interview, most photogenic, fash ion wear, swim suit and evening gown. Aisha was awarded for receiving the most likes on Facebook, the most ticket sales, the most advertisements, and the Peoples Choice Award. To boost her ticket sales, Aisha and her mother concocted a phenomenal idea. Because many of her supporters from Aba co could not attend, they encouraged them to purchase tickets and donate the tickets to the Ranfurly Homes for Children and Elizabeth Estates Childrens Home. 30 people attended from both homes in total, and she sold 35 additional tickets. On the night of the pageant, Aisha sold one more Ticket sales were not the only rea son she targeted childrens homes. Aishas platform concentrated on anti-bullying and emotional abuse awareness. It was a plat form she had embraced as a contestant in the Miss Abaco Pageant. I am passionate about the cause because I was a victim of bullying from Grades 3 to 11. This is like a big deal for me, so anything that has to do with bully ing, I could totally push it because I know how it feels to be on the other side, Aisha said. My thing is if youre going to keep talking about it, and have stories about it, who is going to push it to stop it? So if I could be one of the people to stop it, then why not stop it? School & Youth News bullied, but her pleasant personality comes from knowing what it feels like to be hurt. Sadly, one of her cousins committed suicide because of bullying, so it has hit close to home for her entire family. People tend to say that the people who get hurt the most tend to have the prettiest smile. Well I get complimented on my smile a lot, so that can tell you how much Ive been through already, Aisha revealed. I put up a faade sometimes, but right now, she said pointing to her smile, this is for real. I am so happy that I overcame the obstacle. After overcoming that obstacle, Ai sha completed her BGCSE examinations, received her acceptance letter from the College of The Bahamas, and secured a summer job. She plans to attend her up coming Miss Teen Galaxy International Competition in Orlando on Aug. 3, while vacationing with family. In the fall, she will head to C.O.B. beauty queen is enjoying her new lease on life. Her bedroom was once her haven, but now she looks forward to doing something almost every day and every weekend. Highlights for the new beauty queen also included an orientation at Super Clubs Breezes Bahamas where she met pageant directors, reigning queens, and those she would compete against. There were many practices along the way for the contestants through Yodephy Dance & Modelling Academy and Bahamas Galaxy Pageants as they learned to walk the runway, spins and turns, and their opening dance. She also attended the Bijoux Bahamian Hair Battle & Showcase on May 24 at the Rainforest Theater at the Crystal Palace. However, there was also downtime for the contestants amidst their busy sched ules. She vividly remembered the fun day as well as an enjoyable evening at Marios Bowling and Entertainment Palace. TO ABACO: Her mother organized a low-key wel come ceremony for her on May 29. While on Abaco, Aisha was engaged in a num ber of community services activities and speaking engagements on being a pageant queen at local schools and church and youth groups. She was amazed by Lovely Reckleys School Lunch Program because of the vol ume of food she prepares and delivers for schools on the island each day. She had a fun time autographing books at CAPS. She was equally impressed by the students of Every Child Counts (ECC), who make soap, purify water, farm and make their own compost, their obstacle course, and by their fascinating artwork. During her visit to ECC, a student gave her a tour of the school grounds, and at the end of the tour, he sang for her. Aisha also paid a courtesy call to Parliamentary Secretary, and made an ap with an evening reception at St. John the Baptist Parish Hall with all persons who bought her gifts, and welcomed her into their establishments to speak. Aisha received gifts from Abaco Tanya Saunders Boutique; Roslyn's Fash ions; and La Chalet's Shoe Boutique. She thanked each one of her sponsors and supporters. I thank God, my pageant direc tor, Andrea Knott, and the whole Galaxy Pageant Committee. My mother who did My grandfather and Double R Services; the companies that placed ads in the book let; special thanks to Mrs. Kayla Wallace and Mrs. Clarissa Ramsey; pageant sponsors including those from the Miss Abaco Pageant; and all of my school friends, Aisha listed. We received a lot of stuff, but there was no money involved and no scholarships. I get to keep my crown and sash. She received free Spanish lessons, karate lessons for a year, a year's worth of body wash, shampoo, conditioner and lotion, make up, free massages, gift cou pons, three to four sets of jewelry includ ing diamond earrings, gym membership, and modeling and personal training ses sions. Aisha Jones is a former student of Abaco Central High School, and now a re Above: Aisha Jones, Miss Teen Bahamas Galaxy 2013. Her platform is anti-bullying and emotional abuse awareness, a topic that hits close to home since she was bullied as a youth and also had a cousin pushed to suicide from bullying.

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Page 6 Section B The Abaconian July 15, 2013 Quality Star Auto Service Station And GarageDon MacKay Blvd., Marsh HarbourTHE PLACE FOR YOUR ENTIRE AUTOMOBILE AND TRUCK NEEDSWe stock a wide variety of parts and tyres. If you need an item that is not in stock, we will quickly import it for you Open 7 am 7 pm Monday thru Thursday 7 am 8 pm F riday and Saturday Tel: (242) 367-2979 School & Youth News Brieonna Russell reigns as Miss Teen Bahamas Earth 2013-2014 By Canishka Alexander Dedication and determination paid off in full for Brieonna Russell in her aca demics and modeling career this year. The 17-year-old beauty graduated as valedicto rian of Agape Christian School on June 1, and earned top subject and prefect awards at her graduation. Among her noteworthy achievements in recent months, Brieonna entered the Miss Teen Bahamas International (MTBI) was crowned Miss Teen Bahamas Supermodel Perfect 2013-2014. [Becoming] the valedictorian has been a dream of mine since I entered high school and understood what it is. Although travelling every weekend for 10 weeks straight was a bit challenging, I knew that I could balance both school work and the pageant. At times it got overwhelming, but I, again, remained optimistic and kept be able to do what I did during that time span, she said. With a 3.85 grade point average, Brieonna easily breezed through the 3.0 or above GPA required for the competition requirements, and submitted a 60second video clip about herself and her platform on the MTBI Facebook page. My platform was, and still is, Men toring to High School Students, Brieonna stated. This subject is important to me because I feel as though the Family Islands (Abaco as an example) do not have enough guidance counselors/mentors throughout the high school systems. If we did, person ally, I believe that a majority of the im mature and irresponsible acts these high school students take part in would not be as high in number as they are today. Despite being self-disciplined, Brieonna had to prepare herself both physi cally and mentally for the competition. Physically, Brieonna had to change her eating habits by eating in smaller portions, week. She revealed, I was not too con cerned about the number I saw on the scale; healthier. Mentally, [because] it was the last few weeks of school, I had a lot going on, I managed to always stay positive and tried not to overwhelm or stress myself out. And so on the evening of May 12 at stood onstage holding hands with Angel Cartwright both of them remaining as the Thousands of emotions ran through my body. The two minutes it took for them like hours, but once they called my name, I did not feel disappointed because I knew that I did my best and gave it my all, she the end, I believe that everything worked out how it was supposed to. I still accom plished something that I am very proud of. Looking back over the Miss Teen Bahamas International Pageant, one of the Costume Competition. I was and still am obsessed with my national costume that depicted our national Brieonna gushed. In general, Brieonna said she stays optimistic by avoiding negative people when shes in the process of preparing for a pageant because she strongly believes that other peoples opinions can change your mind faster than your own. So she had lots of optimistic people to thank, including her sponsor, Island Delight Juice Company Ltd., family and friends, fans and supporters, her schools faculty mem bers, everyone who voted for her, and those who attended each event. Abaco in general was such a great support system! Brieonna boasted. As the reigning Miss Teen Bahamas Earth 2013-2014, Brieonna will travel to Ecuador in August to represent the Bahamas and to compete in the Miss Teen Earth Pageant. She plans to attend college in January of 2014, so depending on what happens in August in Ecuador, pageantry and modeling will be a hobby of hers for quite some time. I do not believe modeling is a fulltime career; however, I do believe that it is an extremely competitive hobby that I just so happened to fall in love with, Brieonna concluded. Above: Brieonna Russell, Miss Teen Bahamas Earth 2013-2014 and Agape Christian School Valedictorian. a beach clean-up. ing student made stepping stones ponics school garden and actively composted organic trash from home and school. medicinal plant books. were created from recycled products. walking to school on Wednesdays, and by turning off lights and other electrical gad gets when not in use. many of the native plants on the Cay On June 13th, the school was award ed their Green Flag. It is the highest level award in the Eco-Schools Programme It of the Environment, who presented on behalf of the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF). The Eco-Schools Bahamas Pro gramme is part of the international EcoSchools Programme, which was established by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in 1994. The programme recognizes and rewards schools who en gage their students in taking action to im prove their environmental practice on their school campuses and in the wider commu nity. Man-O-War Primary is among the award, and we are proud of what they have achieved within just one school year. said Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, BREEFs Executive Director. The Eco-Schools Bahamas Programme is operated by BREEF in partner ship with the Ministry of Tourism & Avia tion, and is endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Science & Technology. Two other Abaco schools have received the award: Hope Town School and Forest Heights Academy.Flag From Page 1

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section B Page 7 Across 4. These blu stery, univited guests often drop in starting in August 7. Bahamian mutt. 9. Can refer to oil or someones demeanor. 12. Yellow fruit 16. A false identity 17. Sans-shoes. 18. Right alongside. 19. DC Comics main publishing rival.Down 1. A crabs shell. 2. Cay where Stranded Naked is held annually. 3. Unless it s neutral its either an acid or a ______ communications on earth. 6. Ten years. 8. Cay across from Elbow famous for Yahoes. 10. Can be unexpectantly found in deserts. 11. Something disappointing found in deserts. 13. Black, gold and _________. 14. Like a bicylce, but missing a wheel. 15. This race has been held for 38 years in Abaco. July 1 Answers Across 2. FLAMINGONational Bird. 4. DIABETESWhen Bahamians say they have Sugar they are referring to this disease. 6. ANDROSLargest Island. 8. KANGAROOThis marsupial is famous for its pouch. 10.INDEPENDENCEJuly 10 for Bahamians & July 4 for US Citizens. 12.MARLINNational fish. Down 1. SALTInagua Industry. 3. GUANAPrimary school on this Abaco Cay held its first ever graduation. 5. COMMERCEChamber of _________; An organization for local businesses to express concerns and make a difference. 7. HOTELSProvide rooms for out-of-town visitors. 9. YELLOWThis Elder is a national symbol. 11. CRAB_______ Crawlin June 15 Answers Across 4.MARGARINECant believe its not butter. 5.SPECTACLESWorn to better your vision; glasses. 9.MARIACHIStyle of folk music originating from Mexico. 12HALOArtistic effect painted around angels and saints. 14BEATLESArtists of The White Album. 17. THRONESGame of ________; Popular HBO series based on George R.R. Martins fantasy novels. 18. TRUJILLOEl Jefe; Infamous Dominican Republic dictator. 19. PRIVYThis Council is the highest authority in Bahamian law. 20. ANGRYMad, upset. Down 1. SCROLLUsed in the ancient world to write on and read, today is a function of your mouse. 2. TRIASSIC_______, Jurassic, and Cretaceous 3. CONCHDelicious Mollusk. 6. COMPASSUtilizes Earths magnetic field to help find your way. 7. ALTERNATIVEA different way. 8. LINGERTo stay around. 10. HEMINGWAYFamous author who frequented Bimini. 11. BRAINA type of coral; something inside your skull. 13. PANDORAOnce this mystical box is opened it cannot be shut again. 15. LUSTERIf some things are not polished they lose their ________. 16. CURLY______ Tail; type of lizard recognized for its namesake.

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Page 8 Section B The Abaconian July 15, 2013 Sports By Mirella Santillo In the Mens Open category, the Marsh Harbour basketball team, headed by Pekito the Sandy Point, Spring City and Treasure Cay teams to end up in the championship game. They won 70-50 against the Agape Christian School Eagles. Over 20 games were played during Marsh Harbour team dominates the Abaco Sporting Club Summer Basketball Invitationalthe Abaco Sporting Club Summer Basket ball Invitational that took place over three evenings at Grace Gymnasium during the weekend of June 27-29. The Eagles and the Abaco Central High School Marlins represented the two participating schools in junior and senior and Central Abaco competed against each other in the Mens Open category as well as against the high schools' senior teams. The Eagles junior team easily defeat ed the Marlins juniors, winning the cham pionship game 46 12, after a closer game tournament, which the Eagles won 38-29. The senior Marlins lost to the Eagles egory; they lost again in a close champion ship game that ended 35-33. The Eagles Marlins, however, had an exciting come back in the second half, coming up to a 33 point tie until Eagles John Saunders scored a basket seconds before the end of the game. In the Men's Open, the Eagles se nior team not only defeated the Marlins, but also won the games against the Central as against the Treasure Cay team. They 58-42. There was a consolation game be Point and Treasure Cay. It was a close 49-43. The championship game was a quick one, with Marsh Harbour giving the Eagles a run from one end of the court to was Edney Bethel, but all the players contributed to the teams victory, playing a Above: The Marsh Harbour team which won the Mens Open Category at the Sporting Club Summer Basketball Invitational. The MVP for Marsh Harbour was Edney Bethel. Basketball teams compete in church leagues Round Robin tournament By Canishka Alexander Seeking to create a positive, wel coming and Christian environment that stimulates and promotes growth and development among the youths on the island of Abaco, members of the newly formed Abaco Church Sports Association (ACSA) decided to adopt a take-charge attitude through sports and to be proactive rather than reactive. Karen Rolle, ACSA member, said that with church and community initia tives, the members want to nurture and develop the young people into contributing members of society. We are determined and forthcoming in trying to redirect our youths in a more Please see Basketball Page 9 tight interaction game. One of the players, Kevin Altidor, will soon to be on his way to attend a university in Georgia because of a basketball scholarship. Coach Adderley attributed the loss of his senior team to tiredness and perhaps a who have so far defeated some of the best high school teams in the country.

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section B Page 9 Bahamas Brewery productive path, she declared. The Abaco Church Sports Association ment on June 7 and June 8. The tournament was split up into four divisions. There was an open division, which consisted of men between the ages of 20 years and older, a 16-19 year-old division, a 13 to 15-yearold division and a 12 and under division. Participants included church teams representative of Zion Baptist Cathedral, Soul Saving Ministries Intl, Change Ministries Results showed that Zion Baptist won in the open division with two wins and no one win and one loss. In the 16 to 19 divitries with 43 points, however, Change beat Zion 22 to 20. In the 13 to 15 division, 30 to 20 in the second game, and 26 to 25 Championship scores indicated that Zion Baptist Cathedral was the overall Tabernacle Church won the 17 to 19 divi sion with 43 points, and in the open divi sion Zion pulled away with one point to beat Change Ministries. The score: 41 to 40. SportsBasketball From Page 8 Abaco swimmer earns three medals at CCCANThe Central American and Carib bean Amateur Swimming Confederation ed on Saturday, July 6 in Costa Rica, saw Team Bahamas place eighth overall. Com peting with Team Bahamas was Abacos Margaret Albury Higgs. Albury took a gold medal in the 100 meters breaststroke for the 13-14 girls. She swam a 1:16.90 for that event. Albury scored gold again in the 50 meters breast as well as a silver medal in the 200 meters breast. She also managed medley. Team Bahamas walked away from earned three of those. Albury said about her athletic career, I would like to better my times each time international competitions for The Baha mas that I can at my age, I would like to strive for the next step in my next age group, which is the Junior Worlds. About the competition in Costa Rica, Albury admitted, I was a little nervous in Costa Rica competing against some new Cuba that are not part of CARIFTA. But I am happy with my performance! She continues to train as well as bal ance school and life as a teenager. Above: Albury Higgs swimming at the Central American and Caribbean Amateur Swimming Confederation (CCCAN) Cham pionships. Right: Albury (center) receives the gold for and bronze were taken by Cuba and Hon duras.

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Page 10 Section B The Abaconian July 15, 2013

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section B Page 11 Abaco Cays

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Page 12 Section B The Abaconian July 15, 2013 Email: info@jmjelectricltd.com Sports By Canishka Alexander An All-Abaco Tournament took place on June 28-29 with teams from SpanMurphy Town Ball Field. Fans packed the stands for the two-day event where en tertainment was at its best, and food and drinks of all assortment were on sale. The 2013 season honours the life of Aretha Lockhart Mackey, who was once a softball superstar in her day. Game 1 featured the Abaco Groceries Diamond Dollz vs. Terez Gas Angels. The scored runs were close, but the Gas An gels pulled away with seven runs while the Above: Abaco Groceries Diamond Dollz Pitcher Diana Strachan pitches to a Terez Gas Angels player during the All-Abaco Tournament on June 28. Nassau, Eleuthera softball teams attend Abaco tournament 2, the Gilly's Girls out of Spanish Wells played against Team LA. Gilly's Girls Pitcher Doran Pettys fast balls soared across the home plate posing a challenge be no match for them. Gilly's Girls scored nine runs, and Team LA walked away with no runs. TC Jets faced Spanish Wells AAA Mens Championship Team, the Bommer team up in Game 4 against Creters Bull dogs. Again, the scores were fairly close, but the Truckers ensured they would keep their championship status. Winning Pitcher Edney Heat Bethel and his teammates scored two runs. There were no runs for the Bulldogs. On Saturday, the games continued, and so did excitement among the players as they edged closer to winning the cham pionship title. The Razorbacks came back 6, Creters Bulldogs took away the Hope Town Wreckers chance of scoring any runs. The Bulldogs beat the Wreckers: 10 to 0. William Lefty Weatherford was the winning pitcher. A similar incident occurred in Game car Togo" Rolle on the mound. The Hope Town Wreckers were given another opportunity to win in Game 8 this time against the Truckers. Although they were able to score one run, the Truckers won with eight runs. Eugene Pratt walked away as the winning pitcher. women, the AG Diamond Dollz faced the Gilly's Girls. Gilly's Girls captured the championship title scoring nine runs while the Diamond Dollz accumulated two. For the men, Truckers conquered the Bulldogs: 3 to 0. Abaco Swim Clubs success at Nationals a group effortPress Release On Thursday June 20, the Abaco Swim Club swimmers along with their coaches, family and friends travelled to ships. The team consisted of twenty-two excited and prepared young swimmers ranging in ages from 5 to 14 years old. Some of the clubs newest and young est swimmers this year are Addison Albury and Meredith Knowles. Addison Albury, only 6 years old, successfully swam 50 free, 50 back, 200 free, 100 free and 50 Breast. The clubs newest swimmer, six year old Meredith Knowles, successfully swam 50 Free and 50 Back. Ryan Knowles successfully swam earned the Academic All Bahamas Swim Team Award. ming for six months, successfully swam the 50 Breast, 100 Back 100 Free, 50 Back and 50 Free. Susett Pinder, only swimming for 10 months, successfully swam 200 IM, 200 Free, 50 Breast, 100 Fly, 100 Free, 50 Please see Swim Page 13

Page 14 Section B The Abaconian July 15, 2013 Individual Ribbons: 6th in 100 free, 8th in 200 free, 8th 50 Back, 8th 100 breast Academic All Bahamas Swim Team Award Mackenzie Dam: Silver Relay Medals 200 Free/200 IM/ 400 Free Relays 3rd Place Bronze Medal 50 meter back stroke 3rd Place Bronze Medal 100 meter back stroke The three silver relay medals you already have. 4th place ribbon:100 free, 200 free, 200 IM 7th place ribbon:50 meter breaststroke 100 meter breaststroke Academic All Bahamas Swim Team Award Jewel Pinder: 50 Back 1st Place Gold Medal 100 back 2nd Silver Medal Silver Relay Medals 200 Free/200 IM/ 400 Free Relays 200 Im 3rd Bronze Medal,200 free 3rd Bronze Medal, 100 free 3rd Bronze Medal,50 breast 3rd Bronze Medal, 50 free 3rd Bronze Medal, 100 breast 5th, Academic All Bahamas Swim Team Award Taryn Carroll: Silver Relay Medals 200 Free/200 IM/ 400 Free Relays 9th place 50 Breast, 11th place 100 Breast, Academic All Bahamas Swim Team Award Kate Sims: 12th Place 400 Free, successfully swam 200 Free, 100 Back, 100 Free, 50 free Academic All Bahamas Swim Team Award Christina Pyfrom: 3rd Place Bronze Medal 800 Free, 4th Place 100 Back, 8th Place, 200 free, 50 Fly, 400 Free, 50 Back Academic All Bahamas Swim Team Award Jacob Hull: 10th 200 IM, 8th 200 Free, 6th 100 Back, 7th 50 Breast, 5th 100 Free, 7th 100 Breast, 9th 200 Breast, 9th 50 Fly, 7th 100 Breast, 5th 50 Back, 6th 50 Free Academic All Bahamas Swim Team Award Joshua Wong: 100 breast 3rd Bronze Medal (Carifta qualifying time) 200 breast 5th PlaceSwim From Page 13 Church News Submitted by Rev. Jason Roberts The mens fellowship of Mt. Zion came to the aid of senior citizen Mrs. Ev elyn Burrows, who is a widow living alone in the community. She was overwhelmed with joy to have been given assistance by the Church group of men. On July 6 they paid a courtesy call on Mrs. Burrows and assisted her with the cleanup of her yard. The Mens Fellowship President Reserve Corporal Deacon David Light bourne, says he has a passion for helping the needy and that the auxiliary which he heads in the church was honored to assist Mrs. Burrows. Deacon Lightbourne went on to say when men take their rightful as a result; hence men should lead in the same fashion like Christ leads the Church. Mt. Zion's Pastor Rev. Jason Roberts also took part in the clean up and said he was happy to see the Men of the church making such an impact in the community. Pastor Roberts promises that the best is yet to come as they plan to do even more to as sist where needed in the community. Zion Baptist Mens Group assists Sandy Point elderAbove: The mens fellowship of Mt. Zion Native Baptist Church in Sandy Point caretaking community elders, Evelyn Burrows, yard. By Canishka Alexander The Marsh Harbour Church of Christ from the Marble Falls Church of Christ in theme: Show Me The Way, and it was led by Jared Brock, a youth leader. about the life of Jesus. The following day, they learned about the importance of shar ing based on Acts 4. On the day of the cer emony, they observed how God changes lives, and how He even changed the names they learned how followers of Christ learned to praise God even in their most The children participated in skits and musical selections to the enjoyment of the parents and those in attendance during the closing ceremony on June 26. After almost a week of Bible studies from the Book of of the gospel, thanked God for His pro tection over everyone. All together, 106 children had been recorded as being in attendance that week. Bro. David Caskey, a longstanding missionary and member of the church, made presentations of Bibles which were wife, Diane Turnquest, as well as Jack and Donna Steward for more than 20 years of service of missionary work in The Baha mas. Brock was also grateful for the Stew ards, who assisted them greatly with plan Above: Closing ceremony for Vacation Bible School at the Marsh Harbour Church of Christ on June 26. Jared Brock, youth leader from Marble Falls, Tx., is addressing the audience. M.H. Church of Christ enjoys another record attendance at 2013 VBSning for the trip to Abaco. He also thanked Greta Strachan-Culmer and Marisa Allen for ensuring that they were well fed as well as all of the members who assisted in mak ing the event a successful one. Really its been very easy for me because the local church has been so sup portive, Brock said. Tonight seeing the kids show up and have fun and sing songs was the most excited Ive been; it was a great and its been a real blessing. Bro. Caskey agreed that the 2013 in Marsh Harbour was in 1983 when the had seen puppets; some of them cried, so we had to turn them wrong side out to let them see, he chuckled. Over the years it has grown and many of the people who were here tonight who had their children Bible School. It makes a great impact on the lives of others, and were just grateful for the opportunities, he said. Haitian Thanksgiving Service concludes 21 days of fasting By Canishka Alexander Feed My Sheep Church of God lo cated in the Mudd celebrated a Haitian Thanksgiving Service on June 27. Bruno Jude, a missionary from Miami, was the erend Pastor Lucien Cledillon, leader of Feed My Sheep and scout leader of the 50th Bahamas Scout Group of Abaco, also addressed the worshippers in Creole. The two men offered prayers of thanksgiving to God for the 21 days of fast ing they had completed as well as prayers for The Bahamas and its leaders. At the close of the Thanksgiving program, Pastor Cledillon distributed toys that had been donated to him to the children, who were in attendance.

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section B Page 15 Ron-Paul Cabinets PlusVisit our Showroom Located Opposite the old Lowes PharmacyOwners: Ronnie & Pauline RobertsPhone: (242) 367-0546 BABY CRIBS $265 .00 4 DRAWER CHEST WOODEN BUNK BEDS $525 .00 METAL BUNK BEDS $400 .00 ADIRONDACK CHAIRS $210 .00 MATTRESS, BOX SPRINGS & FRAMESRegular Mattress Twin $160.00 -Full $235.00-Queen $260.00Orthopedic Mattress Twin $235.00-Full $290.00-Queen $340.00 FLOORING Commercial Carpet..............$11.00 sq.yd. Carpet Padding...................$5.75 sq.yd. Laminate Flooring..............$2.50 sq.ft. Padding................................$0.55 sq.ft. MORE BEDS Wooden Toddler Beds...............$175.00Rollaway Beds...........................$245.00 Church News Cherokee Assemblies of God holds Ministerial Installation ServiceBy Lee Pinder The Assemblies of God Church in as their newest Minister on Sunday, June cials, well-wishers, family and friends. Brother Darrells family has a long history of church service in Cherokee. His great-grandfather, William Walter Sands, was a lay-preacher in The Cherokee Meth odist church in the 1940s and 50s. Mr. Walter was also the local Justice-of-thePeace, Postmaster and Headmaster of the one-room schoolhouse with over 100 students to attend to that was restored in 2004 and named in his honour as the W.W.Sands Community Center. While his great-grandfather on the other side of the family, Talbert Sawyer, was said to have gone out nights with a lantern that he would hang on a fence post to preach on the streets of Cherokee. He did this after the Brethren Church that was located off the eastern track road was lost in the same hurricane of 1932 that took the Methodist church. His grandfather, Bate man Sands, who just celebrated his 80th birthday this year, is still preaching (and playing the harmonica) today, with a lit tle help from his son and grandson and is able to spend some quality time in his very fruitful garden. He was the local Telegra pher for over 43 years until his retirement in 1993. Darrells father, Roger Pinder is a well-known local mason and building con tractor and heads up the Mens Ministry Services at the Assemblies of God as well as helping with the preaching, singing and playing the guitar whenever hes needed. Darrell is the third generation in his family to preach in this church which was built in the late 1950s. Pastor Earl Weech was one of the many who came to Cherokee to preach in the old church, which had been a private home that came from to Cherokee and re-assembled. Brother Talmedge Butler came to Cherokee at that time and built the exist ing church around that original building then disassembled the old one and moved it across the street where Una and Gene Sawyer still live today. After Brother But ler left, Brother Bob Cornea and his wife, Phyllis, served at the church in Cherokee from 1967 until 1973 and when they left Mr. Bateman took over ministering fulltime. The Inductee, Brother Darrell, has a younger brother, William, still living at home with his mother and father in Cher okee. He and his wife, Kellie (Sawyer) were both educated in Cherokee and have always lived there. They were childhood sweethearts and have been married for tember at Cherokee Primary School and a younger brother, Christain, who is just two years old. Kellie is a stay-at-home mom who bour for six years and has since expanded her many artistic talents and plans to show her work in the January Art Show that is held every year on The Abaco Beach Hotel grounds. While her husband Darrell has worked for many years apprenticing under his uncle, Royce Sands. He eventually outboard engines and is now working with Both he and his wife grew up in the church, attending and holding Sunday School Classes and he eventually joined his father in working with the Mens Min istry, which is an outreach program of the church where the men of the regularly visit the elderly, sick and bedridden to sing songs, discuss the Bible and deliver words of praise and encouragement. He has also been sharing the ministry with Brother Bob Cornea in Man-O-War Church and in do ing so has earned countless new friends and followers. Pastor Dion Gibson of First Assemblies in Marsh Harbour. He spoke about the great need for service with commitment and integrity in his presentation and how many persons we encounter on a daily basis do not even understand the meaning of the word service, whether its in the church or a persons everyday job Pastor Gibson explained that he had been fortunate enough to hear Brother Dar rell speak and had spoken with others who had heard him and was encouraged to bring him into ministry since it was obvious that he was making an impression on so many Above pictured left to right: Inductee Brother Darrell Pinder, Brother Bateman Sands, Nicholas Pinder, Christain Pinder & Kellie Pinder, Laurel Pinder & Roger Pinder at the Assemblies of God Church in Cherokee Sounds induction service. in Abaco. He approached him about takcould continue to bring the word of God to those who were thirsting for it. He made a point to impress upon Brother Darrell how important his wife and children would be to him as he moves forward in the church. After the ceremony the inductee Brother Darrell gave a few words of ac knowledgement to the congregation and admitted that it had never crossed his mind to become a preacher, but that he and his came to the decision that he would accept the challenge. The program was packed with songs and words of encouragement from other lations from several other visiting Min with people attending from all over Abaco to be a witness to this momentous occasion in Brother Darrells life. Abaco Women of God Ministry holds Mini ConferenceBy Vernique Russell The Abaco Women of God Minis try hosted a mini conference on June 20. The conference was held in Treasure Cay at Full Gospel Assembly. This conference was an initiative of the ministry to reach beyond the norm and gather the saints and strengthen the women as they labour in the vineyard of the Lord. Women from throughout local min ecutive board of the hosting organization, VBS to be held in Treasure CayBy Vernique Russell summer 2013. Lighthouse Ministries International will be back in Treasure Cay. Sea parish hall daily between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Christian volunthe ages two to sixteen, regardless of nationality, creed or race. The group has been coming to Abaco for the past 10 years Harbour and Treasure Cay. Paul Sattem, who is no stranger to the trips, creativity activity, plays and bible story times. Lunch is provided daily and is free of charge. Bus services are provided. Those who are attain further information. Registration is not required and walk-ins are welcomed. so dont allow your child to miss out. rendered selections during the service. Guest speaker for the evening was Apostle Anne Grant of Agape House in Freeport, Grand Bahama. During the keynote address, she ably challenged and charged the women to stay focused and to cling to the laws of God. She encouraged them to stay in the race with all surety that the end will be worth it. The committee also took the time to honor a woman of faith and virtue. It was their desire to give roses to those who in their community, to women who have Laroda, of Unity Baptist Church in Trea sure Cay. The honouree was presented with a placque and a gift basket. Before receiving her token of appreciation, she sang a selected song about the goodness and faithfulness of God. team have a lot of activities lined up for the remainder of the year, including of concerts, other mini conferences, prayer breakfasts and their district seminar.

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Page 16 Section B The Abaconian July 15, 2013 Church News By Jennifer Hudson Sunday, June 23 was an important day for the members of St. John the Baptist Anglican Church. On this day they cele the Baptist in a Patronal Festival. Rector of the St. John the Baptist Church, Rev. Will ish Johnson, welcomed members of the came to participate in this special service. They included Fr. Ian Claridge, Rec tor of Mary Magdalene Church, West End, Grand Bahama who preached the sermon; Fr. Cooper, Rector of St. Stevens, Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama; Fr Deangelo Bowe, Rector St. Simon by the Sea, Treasure Cay; Fr. Earle Hepburn, Chaplain of the Bishop Eldon Anglican High School, Grand Bahama who was formerly Rector of the St. John the Baptist Church, Marsh Harbour and Archdeacon Harry Bain, Rector of the Pro Cathedral, Christ the King, Grand Bahama. Members of St. Martins Anglican Church travelled from Sandy Point to celebrate with their fellow Angli cans. The service began with a processional of all of the priests, catechists, wardens and servers and proceeded with joyful hymn singing by the congregation and participa tion by members of the Anglican Church men and Church Women. The choir added a special touch with its lively renditions. Fr. Ian Claridges sermon text was taken from the book of Luke ch.1 verses 63-66 and his sermon dealt, appropriately, with the birth of the churchs patron, John the Baptist. We do not think of our children coming to challenge us but John did and we should share our awe and wonder ment at the message of John the Baptist, he stated. John the Baptist did not concern himself about social graces and did not set out with the goal of being different from everybody else but came to tell people to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah by turning away from sin. He told people of the standards expected of them and their need to change their ways and allow God to work through them. Johns message involves repentance and to clean up your life and your way of living, he continued. Fr. Claridge ended his sermon by reminding the congregation that John is their patron; he has done his part and now it is their turn. We can live our lives by loving those around us, he declared. At the close of the service Archdea con Harry Bain spoke a few words to the congregation telling them how pleased he was to be celebrating the glorious feast of St. John the Baptist with them. He stated that the following day would make 34 years of his ordination to the priesthood and he was glad to be celebrating his anniversary on Abaco. It has been wonderful to share in this beautiful service and I urge you to continue to work with your rector, giving Rev. Johnson your full support, and to wit ness along with the body of Christ. Following this service of praise and thanksgiving, a reception was held in the parish hall. Above: Visiting clergy outside church prior to service. Archdeacon Harry Bain greeting parishioners.St. John the Baptist Anglican Church celebrates Patronal Festival Seniors honoured at Older Persons Banquet By Canishka Alexander An Older Persons Banquet was held on June 14 at Friendship Tabernacle Church for elderly persons living in the Dundas and Murphy Town communities. The event was organized by Kenneth Cornish of Greater Faith Ministries, which is a ministry that was initiated by his moth er the late Enamae Parker. Seeking to carry on her work, Cornish recognized and honoured many of the islands senior persons for the contributions they have made. During the service, Leroy Thompson was the moderator for the event. High lights of the banquet included the recita tion of the entire Book of Psalm 24 by six-year-old Xatia Alexander, whom the audience gave a hearty applause. Senior Island Administrator Preston Cunningham and Bishop Lernis Cornish were asked to give remarks. Administrator Cunningham called it an honour to stand before so many able citizens. Any time it comes to the senior citi zens, somehow I could never pass it up straight, he commented. I have to be present. He told them that God has been extremely good to them because they have lived to see old age in a time when many have died young. Instead of merely exist ing, they have been productive citizens, he said. Administrator Cunningham also praised them for educating the young ones and teaching them good manners, how to pray, and how to become real young men and women. In his life, he is still blessed to have an 87-year-old mother, who prepares her own meals and keeps her house clean. Growing up, she taught him and his sib lings to do everything in the house that a young lady would have been taught to do. One could say what one wants to say, but all that we enjoy in Abaco right now is because of what you senior citizens have done here in Abaco over the years, Administrator Cunningham admitted. He closed by asking the older persons to con tinue to pray for the young, to provide counsel for them and not to slacken off. Before Bishop Cornish spoke, Kipling Armbrister more commonly known as Kipco, strode to the podium smartly attired in a gray coat suit and his signature dread locks. He sang a stunning rendition of It Is Well With My Soul. In his remarks, Bishop Cornish talk ed about his grandmother Rebecca Davis from Bluff Point, and growing up in Bain Town as an altar boy in the Catholic denomination. His mother died when he was three years old, so one of his aunts helped to raise him. He talked about his call to salvation; his courtship and marriage to Rowena Cornish; and of course, his expe rience crabbing. Finally, he recalled a time when there according to him, criminals were hanged as punishment. On Abaco, law and order abounded. Bishop Cornish said that Roy Curry took care of Murphy Town while his father the senior Mr. Curry was in charge of Bluff Point. Arnold Edward was responsible for Dundas Town, and Banyan Key took care of Marsh Harbour. Sometimes I only stand and look our time? Bishop Cornish said. These towns had their own law; what the people are doing now they couldnt do it. Bishop Cornish asked for continued prayers for the elderly as he spoke bless ings over everyone in attendance. Thomp son prayed over the gathering before ev eryone was dismissed to the dining area where Chef Terrell Russell had prepared a scrumptiously healthy meal. While the honourees and their guests ate, Thompson told hilarious jokes and uted some gospel music to the tune of rake n scrape. Joseph "Joe" Davis mimicked the mannerisms and antics of some of the older persons who have passed on. Several people received gift prizes, while all honcation and commitment to Abaco. Kenneth Cornish thanked committee members, namely Churton Toote and Ter rance McDonald, and all community stake holders who made donations or assisted organized, he is hopeful that the Older Per sons Banquet will become an annual one. now it turned into love, Cornish said. It was a vision my mother had before she died, and I get a little emotional, but I know she is looking down and smiling. He advised all of the young people to spend more time with the elderly be cause when they are dead and gone, so much is lost in their passing. The stories they share, he said, would bring you to tears if you knew how they grew up. Al though weve all been through our share of hardships, Cornish said it was God who brought us out. I am a living testimony. I had a hole in my heart at a young age, and I spent nine months in Princess Margaret Hospital, but if I take my shirt off theres no scar, he exclaimed. The power of prayer; God has been good to me. We came here to serve and not to be served. Jesus washed His disciples feet. Who was greater than Jesus?

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July 15, 2013 The Abaconian Section B Page 17 Rev. Willish Johnson Celebrates 10 years as a Minister of the GospelBy Samantha Evans Having been a part of the Sacred Priesthood for ten years, Rev. Willish Johnson never celebrated any of her anni versaries, so her church members decided that they would work hard to ensure that this tenth anniversary celebration was not missed. On Friday July 5, 2013 the 10th Anniversary service to the Sacred Priest hood was held for her at St. John the Bap tist Anglican Church in Marsh Harbour. The Right Reverend Laish Boyd, An glican Bishop of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Island, was in attendance for this celebratory service. The service was a traditional one with hymns, scriptures, intercessions, communion, and a sermon which was delivered by Bishop Boyd. He explained the purpose of this service, stat ing that Rev. Johnson has given distin guished service since she was ordained. He added that she always conducted herself with dignity and commanded the respect of the people she serves. He could not speak of this accom plished Reverend without mentioning her husband Lee Johnson who has been her backbone and pillow of strength through her ministry. He told this couple that their life and actions do not belong to them but to the people they serve. He saluted and congratulated them and asked them to con tinue to be an exemplary family. Finally, he commended the family members of the Johnsons who came to support them. He it as the couple is doing excellent work. Bishop Boyds message focused on ed on how ordained ministry impacts the church. He noted that in spite of the frailty of man, God still calls them to the ministry to care for people and to nurture them in Church News the way they should go. He reminded them that those who God calls he equips but they must be mindful of what Priestly ministry requires. Firstly, they must be good, kind and caring in the community. Secondly, they long hours, work behind the scene a lot, and extend self far beyond the call of duty. Thirdly, they must know that there will be some leaders in the church that a will not do what they are called to do, cant be trusted, and will abandon the membership position. Fourthly, he stated that a good shepherd must be among people in order for them to know them. Finally, they must look for the lost that are not coming to church or are lost. He encouraged pastors to avoid human politics but to be focused on building up the body of Christ. He told the members to do their part to lift up their spiritual leader and to evalu ate their service to see what support they are giving in their communities. A dinner followed the service in the church hall. Gideons appeal to Christian men to join the organizationBy Samantha Evans The men of the Gideon Abaco Chap ter are seeking Christian men to join their organization to help spread the word of Jesus Christ locally. Gideons is a Chris tian Organization that seeks to provide school-aged children, hotels, motels, and hospitals with Bibles so that they can bring hope, peace and healing to those in need. The Gideons on Abaco used to be a vibrant body but they have dwindled down to only a few devoted men. On Sunday June 23, 2013, President Augustine Wil liams and members of the Gideons visited Church of the Latter Rain to promote the body to the Christian men. He told them that all around the world this organization is trying to keep their ministry alive because many lives are de pendent on this good work. He told them of them to live better lives. These volunteers are Christian men from any denominations who are professional business men in their various communities on Abaco. nancial donations to purchase those Bibles which are placed in hotels and resorts worldwide. Churches can also purchase the Bibles from Gideons which the men will distribute across the island. They plan to continue to seek new volunteers and do nations to keep this wonderful work of the Lord going strong. First Assembly of God 60th Biennial Conference held on AbacoBy Samantha Evans Over the week of June 24 to 27, 2013, the 60th Biennial Conference of the Assemblies of God Churches was held on Abaco at Full Gospel in Treasure Cay under the theme: Connecting to Win the City. There were four speakers over the course of the week with the key note ad dress coming from Dr. Lance Wallnau of the United States. At the start of the conference, the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Patrick Paul gave the charge. He told them to re-evaluate where they are and long lasting effects on their communities. He also gave them some realistic statistics on crime in the country. Cash of Evangelistic Temple was the speaker. He stated that the church shouldnt get caught up in politics and other things of the world. He encouraged them to remain relevant and above reproach so that when they speak to people, they will be taken seriously. Just as politicians of yesterday used to consult with the ministers of the gospel on matters of importance, so should this be happening today but he stated that this doesnt happen in todays society so something is seriously wrong with that. On the third and fourth nights, the keynote speaker addressed them. Dr. Wallnau is a transformational leader as he engages nations and executives, engages in coaching, consulting and resolving con that in order for them to reach the world they should not brand themselves by reli gion alone and expect to be effective. They must incorporate other sectors into their presentation so that they can reach people from all religious persuasions and beliefs. His message was unorthodox but relevant and very effective. He encouraged pastors to look at their congregation in terms of their gifts. They must try to reach them so that when they leave services at the church that they will be change agents on their jobs, in their homes and in their social arenas. Smith, Director for World Missions in the Assemblies of God. He gave them a practi cal talk by encouraging them to continue to evangelize and unite their selves so that they can be the light of the world. He en couraged them to become more concerned about the un-churched in the nation if they want to win more souls. During the day, training sessions and dialogue took place and all services were reserved for the evenings. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were served. Abaco was chosen to host this conference at the 57th biennial years ago. Fundraisers held to aid missions tripBy Samantha Evans First Assembly of God is planning a mission trip to Key West Florida this sum mer. To aid this trip, they have been having a series of fundraisers. This church is known for engaging in mission trips as the last one they took part in was in 2011 right after the earthquake in Haiti. The church members were invited to take part in this mission trip by Pastor Jonathan Carey of Glad Tidings Commu nity Church after he visited Abaco to take part in a leadership seminar at the church. Pastor Deion Gibson and his members are elated for this trip which will consist of apsix children and seven teens. They have engaged in cookouts, car washes and souse outs to raise the funds needed for this mission trip. They also got assistance from Price Rite who supports them each time they take a mission trip. The trip is scheduled for July 24 to July 31, 2013. They will be heavily engaged in food distribution, street evangelism, outdoor meetings, praise dance and songs among other things. The evangelism outreach will take Bahamians are known to live. Persons in terested in assisting them with this trip can contact the church or support them in their Royalty Young Women Conference held in Cedar HarbourBy Vernique Russell The Youth of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Cedar Harbour hosted their An nual Royalty Young Women Conference. The conference was held at the local edi Bridgette Wright of Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Each year the ministry hosts this conference to empower and unite the women of that ministry and those of other minis tries together in worship and service to the Lord. This years theme was, Embracing Excellence. The conference was held the cial luncheon at the Treasure Sands Club in Treasure Cay. Services began nightly at 7:30pm. Special performances were rendered by Soul Saving Ministries, Simone Bowe and Change Ministries, United Baptist Dancers and more. The conference was a success and the organizers wish to thank all those that took time out their busy schedule to celebrate with them. Without you their success could not have been possible. The organizers are hoping that union forms as a result of the conference and would continue to grow as a united body of young women working together to build the kingdom of heaven.

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Page 18 Section B The Abaconian July 15, 2013 ABACO ISLAND PHARMACY LTD.We have moved! Next to ECC and across from BTC, Marsh Harbour 367.2544 tel 367.6544 faxabacoislanpharmacy@gmail.comPrescriptions Testing Beauty Supplies Vitamins Supplements 8:30am 6pm Sundays 9am 4pm Business Service Directory Rentals: Services: Big Cat Equipment THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS IS TO MARKET AND PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS ON A CONSISTENT BASIS. One way to get your business known is to start with a BUSINESS CLASSIFIED for only $45 per issue for B&W or opt for our six issue discount rate. Contact Us For More Information 367-3200 or email: abaconiannews@gmail.com GET YOUR BUSINESS KNOWN!! en-GBNassau 242-457-4SOD (4763) or 225-4SOD (4763)en-GB Abaco 242-357-6975 Fax: 242-367-2424 GRASS GRASS GRASS en-GBFrom Our Farm to Your Door!en-GBen-GBSODen-GBen-GB BARGAIN en-GBCAR RENTALSen-GBSummer Special Ratesen-GBMid Size Cars: $70 Daily $350 Weeklyen-GB Full Size Cars &en-GB Mini Vans: $80 Daily $450 Weeklyen-GB** MON-THUR $10 OFF YOUR DAILY RATE en-GBDon MacKay Blvd (Next to the Kidney Center)en-GB PH: 367-0500, 225-3657 (Toll Free) Fax: 367-0501 en-GBLocated Don MacKay Blvd en-GB and Airporten-GBPhone 367-2431 Marsh Harbouren-GB Mon Sat 7:30 5 Sun 10 5en-GB Visa and MasterCard Accepted Tropical Souvenirs en-GBStraw Baskets Shirts Hatsen-GB Casual Wear Gifts Souvenirsen-GB Androsia Shirts Androsia Fabric By Jennifer Hudson In celebration of the 40th Indepen dence Anniversary, an Ecumenical Church Service was held on July 7 at St Marks Baptist Church, Crossing Rocks, for the communities of South Abaco. It was unfor tunate that the service was poorly attended but those that were there fully entered into the spirit of the occasion. The theme for the service was; The bridge to the future.. the journey continues. Mr. Preston Cunningham, Adminis trator for Central and South Abaco, presented the Independence Address. years ago The Bahamas experienced one of the greatest events of our time when the de cision was made to manage our own affairs and our new independent nation was born in a peaceful process. Our people should be proud of what has been accomplished as a nation, the level of participation, the socio economic progress made and that we are all indeed Bahamian, he stated. He then touched on some of the things of which we should not be proud such as the misbehavior of many Bahami ans with men hanging around the barroom on a Sunday when they should be in church and the lack of safety we feel these days. He then called upon every citizen to stop and examine themselves and think; Have I been a good citizen? He then exhorted everyone to turn over a new leaf if they felt that they had not been a good citizen. The Independence Message from Sir Arthur Foulkes, Gov ernor General of The Bahamas, was then read by Mr. Cunningham. The sermon was preached by Rev Ja son Roberts, Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church News South Abaco Independence Anniversary Church Service held at Crossing RocksChurch, Sandy Point. This was a special Baptist Church having recently taken over He declared that his message for the 40th Anniversary of Independence was; We deserve more but stated that; Unfortunately the country is failing because we are not being our brothers keeper and many have not looked back to pull someone else up. In the past we did things together and tunately we have lost the very thing that made our country greatthe band of brotherhood. Where there are rights there are duties and we should look at where God has brought us, he stated. Several other members of the clergy and members of the Local Government of South Abaco participated in the service offering prayers and bringing remarks. The youth of South Abaco played an important part in the service participating in Scripture readings, song selections, verse speaking and a very lively rendition by the St Marks youth choir. Following the ceremony, the congre gation moved to the grounds of the Cross them was sung, a prayer for the nation of fered and everyone joined hands to sing Bind us together. The afternoon of cel ebration ended with refreshments at the Crossing Rocks Plaza. 40th Independence Anniversary Ecumenical Church Service at St Marks Baptist Church, Crossing Rocks.

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For more information please call 367-2289 Moving to Nassau? opener for your safety. Have to see to appreci ate. Call 359-1531 for viewing Marsh Harbour, Government Sub, For sale by owner Duplex located in. Large corner lot of land. Can easily be converted into 4 242-342-5066/357-0386 Marsh Harbour 3 bed, 2 bath 1,500 sq. ft; fenced yard, 18KW generator, asking $275,000. For more information call 367-2289 Great Cistern, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 3 story, near the water. Available August 1st. For more in formation call 359-6303 Church of the Latter Rain Youth Department launches Book DriveBy Samantha Evans The Innerspring Youth Program is currently collecting books to assist the Latter Rain Mission Academy in Liberia, West Africa. Early last year, Pastor Titus Cheeks started communicating with their ministry mainly because they share names that are similar; theirs being The Church of the Latter Rain, Abaco and the West Africa church being called Latter Rain Mission International. Pastor Cheeks had been searching for support and direction and wanted to know more about what their ministry believes and whether they could work together and build a spiritual bond. While this may have been his initial reason for contacting them, when Mr. Whitney Bain, Youth Leader, started communicating with him further he found that Church News they had just started their ministry and were in need of spiritual mentorship. Pastor Bain and Apostle Alex Archer shared greetings with them and Mr. Bain con tinued to develop the relationship. Latter Rain Mission International provided Mr. Bain with their church's credentials and shared their foundational beliefs, vision and mission statements. Both churches found that they shared similar beliefs and that there was potential for more. They further shared some Biblical and leadership information to strengthen their church's leadership team and continued to develop the relationship from there. Pastor Cheeks shared photos and regular updates with him on how the church was growing and the new projects they were hoping to embark on. They shared pictures of baptisms, special services, their groundbreaking ceremony, the chil dren's involvement in the ministry and their choirs and praise teams. They also shared information on milestones they had achieved and projects they were pursuing. Mr. Bain stated that the reason he gravitated towards deepening the rela tionship and assisting where he could was their commitment to helping the children in their ministry. He mentioned that their ministry was in need of computers (laptops and desktops) and other church resources (administration and leadership material) which he agreed to assist with as well. After several months Pastor Cheeks advised Mr. Bain that they decided to start the Lat ter Rain Mission Academy for children from nursery to grade six and wondered if their ministry could assist with the effort. Mr. Bain pledged the support of his youth group, The Innerspring Youth Program, and told him that he would do his best to get whatever tools he could to make the project successful. Mr. Bain then began working on the Book Drive by contacting a few schools and received a reply from one of them. Georgia Williams of St. Francis Catholic School was principally responsible for organizing the book collection at her school along with Mr. Bongon, Josephine Kumar, and others. So far he has received approximate ly 600 pounds of books from St. Francis Catholic School and several from private citizens. The book drive will close on July 31 as he has to ship them in time for the start of their school year in September 2013. Persons wishing to assist with the effort can contact Mr. Bain to donate books or give donations towards the shipping by depositing funds to The Innerspring Youth Program's FedEx account #375475715, to the Innerspring Youth Program's bank account 15373 @ ScotiaBank or use their own courier accounts to have them ship books on their behalf to Liberia, West Africa. The estimated project shipping cost is $5,000.00. For information, people can contact Church of the Latter Rain.